The church of Santa María la Mayoralso known as church of Santa María de la Encarnaciónis a catholic church located in the historic centre of Vélez-Málaga.
This Gothic-Mudejar building, built in the early 16th century, was erected on the site of the former aljama mosque of the Muslim city. It has three naves without transept, with a presbytery in the southern part, separated by Almohad-inspired chamfered pillars, from which pointed arches start.
Special mention should be made of the altarpiece of the main altar, a 16th century Renaissance style work, mutilated in its sculptural part, it has an important historical-artistic value, where the carving of the crucified Christ, called Cristo de los Vigías, stands out. Its central theme is the mystery of the Incarnation, in order to exalt Christ's dual nature, human and divine.
Its Mudéjar frames are of special importance, the one in the central nave is of pair and knuckle, decorated with a ribbon on the gualdas and the battlement. The presbytery is covered with an octagonal frame decorated with an eight-sided ribbon.
Outside its grandiose bell tower stands outlocated behind the atrium, in the shape of a quadrangular prism and made up of three sections.
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