The Arciprestal church of Santa María, Ontinyent

The Arciprestal church of Santa María occupies the place where, after the Christian conquest, a temple was constructed, probably on top of the former Islamic Mosque that suffered the effects of an earthquake in 1258. A good part of the building corresponds to the first half of the XVI century, although there have been previous and posterior interventions; the most notable of which being the Gothic vaults, sustained upon spiral pillars, and the magnificent facade, belonging to the first Valencia Renaissance. In the XVII century the Sacristy was constructed, and later, the Capilla de la Purísima, where the image of the Patron of the population, made in solid silver, is kept. At almost the same time the Bell-tower was constructed, with more than 71m in height, it is considered the tallest tower in the Valencian Community. From the objects of furniture, highlighted are: The Tabla de la Anunciación(XV century), the oil paintings of José Segrelles (XX century), in the presbytery and in the wings, the Baptismal Florentine Font (XVII century), the Vidal i Tur picture collection, with works from: Ribalta, Valdés Leal and anonymous others from the XVII century, and also the engravings of the Cristo Yacente and the Soledad de Mariano Benlliure (XX century).

Source: Turismo Comunidad Valenciana        

Visit: Free visit outside. 

Rev.: JGG 07.11.18