Basilica of la Asunción de Nuestra Señora, Gothic minor basilica in Colmenar Viejo, Spain
The Basilica of the Assumption is a late medieval church featuring Gothic pointed arches and ribbed vaults combined with Renaissance decorative details. Inside, visitors find a sixteenth-century altarpiece and multiple side chapels, while the exterior shows the building's layered stone construction with its prominent bell tower.
Construction began in 1480, initiating the transition from Gothic to early modern architectural styles in the Madrid region. The building evolved over subsequent centuries, eventually receiving recognition as a protected cultural monument.
The basilica serves as the heart of the town's spiritual life, dominating the main plaza with its presence. The building shapes important celebrations and gatherings that mark the community's calendar throughout the year.
The building sits in the center of Colmenar Viejo and is easily accessible on foot. Visitors should check timing for religious services, as these are the priority for use of the interior spaces.
The bells in the tower include original bronze castings from the founding period, and their sound has marked celebrations for the community since the 1480s. Many locals can identify specific bells by their distinctive tones.
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