The Church of Santa María

The Church of Santa María is located in the heart of the historic centre of Carmona. It is the largest temple in the city and occupies one of the most important blocks in the town centre. Together with the Convent of Agustinas Descalzas, the Church of San Teodomiro (del Salvador), the Aguilar House, and the palaces of Marqués de las Torres and the Rueda family, it forms a historic complex of great interest.
 

It is a beautiful hall church with three naves, built on an old Almohad mosque, demolished in 1424 to construct the current church.
 

Externally, its Gothic construction volumes stand out: the dome with a four-sided roof, its buttresses, flying buttresses, pinnacles, and the flat terraces of its vaults. Of course, its monumental tower with its spire.

 

Construction masters from Seville Cathedral were involved, such as Alonso Rodríguez and Antón Gallego. Even Diego de Riaño had the important task of vaulting the dome.
 

Different styles from various eras merge: Gothic, Renaissance, Mudejar, and Baroque. The different Gothic ribbed vaults inside stand out, with the central dome being more elaborate.
 

Among the sculptures housed within, notable carvings include San Teodomiro, patron saint of Carmona, created by Juan de Arce and painted by Juan Valdés Leal. Special mention should go to the Nativity altarpiece, the work of Gaspar del Águila.