St. Michael Church
History
St. Michael Church is declared as Spanish
government as a Historic-Artistic Monument. The construction began in the 15th
century and was finished in the 17th century and due to that, there are
different architectonic styles, but the main is gothic. This church and
Santiago Church are considered the most important churches of Jerez.
The construction began after the conquest of
Jerez by Alfonso X in 1264. It began with a little hermitage which in no time
was too small due to the people that were attending to the hermitage. In 1484,
Catholic Monarchs visited Jerez and the habitants asked them the construction
of a bigger church.
Also, it exists a legend about the
constructions of the churches of St. Michael and Santiago.
According to this legend, St. Michael and
Santiago helped to the Christian army during the conquest of Jerez and due to
this, Alfonso X ordered the constructions of both churches in two of the Jerez
doors.
Exterior description
We have to highlight the main facade which has
baroque style and many decorative elements. The construction was finished in
1702 and its design was of Diego Moreno Meléndez. It is divided into three body
and tower-style facade.
The lateral facades, called as Concepción
(Epistle side) and the San José (Gospel side) are gothic style. The
construction of these facades began in 1482 and was designed by Juan de Hoces.
In both lateral facades is located the sculptures of St. Joseph and Immaculate
which are 18th century.
Interior description
The church has rectangular plant and divided in
three naves, being the central nave taller than laterals. The naves division is
done by decorated pillars and vaults.
In the interior, we have to highlight the main
altarpiece, which is one of the most important works of the Spanish Gold
Century. It is works from Juan Martínez Montañés in 1609.
Also it is important the Sanctuary Chapel which
was built between 1718 and 1739. It has Greek cross plant and covering the
centre with an octagonal dome and the arms with barrel vault. The Cristo de la
Salud is work from José de Arce who did it in the 17th century.
Visit
Worship schedules:
Monday to Friday at 20:00.
Saturday and Sunday at 9:00, 12:00 and 20:00
Visits to the temple:
Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 13:30 and from
16:30 to 18:30
Contact and location
Address: Plaza de San Miguel
Telephone: 956343347
Website: http://www.parroquiasanmigueljerez.org
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