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Architecture and Monuments in Orihuela

The city of Orihuela is located in the southern area of the province of Spain. It is one of the largest cities in the province of Alicante. The city has a long and rich history, dating to as far back as Chalcolithic Period. Various civilizations have passed and conquered the area. Various architecture and monuments bear witness to the changes in the city’s history.

A number of the most notable monuments in the town of Orihuela are located in the city’s Old Quarter. At least five of these are formally labeled as national monuments while the rest are labeled as cultural. The types vary from those which serve a spiritual or a more civil purpose. There are various types of churches, shrines, palaces and house from different periods of history.

One of the national monuments is the Church of Santo Domingo. Initially constructed in the year 1553, the structure was originally built as both a convent as well as a school. A few years later, it was formally recognized as a university. As the construction went on for several centuries, several styles can be distinguished. Its outer wall is flat and plain looking with the façades of each individual structure within holds a greater amount of detail. For instance, the Cloister of the Covenant was built using the Renaissance style with Ionic pilasters, the faculty area utilizing the Baroque with composite orders on even shafts supporting the roofs while the convent’s old refectory utilizes Gothic ribs. Possibly the most lavish structure is the church itself. Built in the 17th century with a Baroque style, it features magnificent artworks painted onto the ceiling.

Another notable monument is the Cathedral of Orihuela. Constructed on top of what was then a mosque, it was initially conceived as a smaller parish church. Over the next few centuries of construction, the structure became more of a cathedral rather than a parish church. The layout is in the shape of a Latin cross, with three naves containing a number of chapels in between the various buttresses. Its windows are small, allowing only a small amount of light to come inside. The structure has three entrances, each with its own particular style. The door La Puerta de las Cardenas utilizes Islamic influences, La Puerta de Loreto in the Gothic while the Gate of the Annunciation uses the Renaissance.

An 18th century structure, the Episcopal Palace was built for the bishops. Built in the Baroque style, it deviates from the common look of the other structures of the same period. The palace is currently undergoing renovations and soon to be converted to a museum. Within the palace are three sections: the bishop’s private chapel, a section for the Bishop Flores Osorio and the Palacio de Campo Salinas.

Another Gothic structure is the Church of the Santa Justa y Rufina. Consisting of a single nave, it has chapels situated in between the buttresses. Although this is typical for Gothic Catalan structures, it also features elements from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Last of the structures formally recognized as national monuments is the Iglesia de Santiago. Constructed during the 15th century, it is mainly a Gothic style structure featuring Renaissance elements. Much like the other previously mentioned Gothic Catalan chapels, the structure has a nave with chapels contained in between the buttresses. Although the structure was completed by the early 17th century, the Chapel of the Holy Communion was added at a much later date during the 18th century. It houses some of the best carvings created by the artist Salzillo Murcia. There is also a distinct looking organ which features elements from Austria.

This post has also been translated into Spanish by using the Google online translation tool, Arquitectura y Monumentos en Orihuela is the translated post. If you feel you can add something positive to the Spanish translation please feel free to contact me through the comments section below or though The Olive Branch contact page, many thanks.