Church of San Benito Abad, Gothic-Renaissance church in Yepes, Spain
The Church of San Benito Abad is a house of worship built in the transition period between Gothic and Renaissance styles in Spain. Its layout follows a hall-church design with four sections and a polygonal main chapel, while the ceilings feature star vaults and slender Renaissance pillars support the interior space.
Construction began in 1553 under the patronage of Cardinal Juan Tavera, who commissioned the renowned architect Alonso de Covarrubias to design this monumental building. The tower evolved over two centuries, combining different architectural phases into a single structure.
The church stands at the heart of Yepes on its main square, where it continues to serve as the focal point for the town's religious life and community gatherings. Locals pass through this space regularly, making it an integral part of how they navigate their everyday surroundings.
The building is easy to visit since it sits on the main square and is readily accessible from there. You can view the exterior and details such as the windows and tower from various points around the plaza.
The facade displays a distinctive blend of decorative elements from the Plateresque period with its intricately carved window frames. These details are not immediately obvious, but taking time to observe the stonework closely reveals fine craftsmanship that rewards close attention.
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