San Bartolomé Parish

If you are an enthusiastic about the Gothic-Mudejar style with large structures, stone blocks, high columns and arches, wide ceilings and wooden beams, this is your church.

You will have no problem in order to access this church, because it is located in Plaza de España, next to the Town Hall and the Tower. Therefore, you will not have to stroll to get to your destination.

Many important events are organized in this building that began its construction in the third half of the 15^th century and it ended almost two centuries after, around 1800.

Why was it built?

It was built due to the need for having a building in better conditions to receive a great number of devotees who attended mass until that moment in Santa María del Castillo church- the current Archaeological Museum-.

What will you see when you arrive?

It must be said that, although the style of this church is Gothic-Mudejar, you will see that the door is different, it is of Plateresque style. This style is characterised by the geometric decorative motifs that predominate the top of the facade.

It can be seen an inscription of Charles I from 1548 on the top of the entrance door and a pediment with numerous signs of both the apostle Santiago and San Bartolomé – the last one is the patron saint of the town and it is distinguished by the chained demon he has.

An ogee arch starts from the top of this lintel in which there is an image of the Virgen del Rosario in the key part.

Once you enter the Parish

You’ll be attracted by its wide distribution. It consists of three naves, the central one is slightly higher than the side ones.

We invite you to look at the ceiling and appreciate the roof of a coffered ceiling with many ornaments. If you look carefully, you will check that the five beams that it is consisted of are permeated by geometric motifs and stars, in which there are still green and red shades due it its mix of colours.

If you walk along its sides, you will find the Sacristy – in which there is an access door to the Tower.

The second room is very interesting; we recommend you to stop and glimpse the dome over pendentives, in which the four evangelists have been drawn. There is also a black marble pile from 1.679.

Virgen del Rosario Chapel

If you go on walking along one of its sides, you will find the Virgen del Rosario Chapel, who is the patron saint of Montoro. It consists of a dome resting over pendentives, where you can appreciate the beauty of the mix of colours and the plaster inserting blue, grey and golden colours.