Iglesia de Santa María de la Encarnación

Iglesia de Santa María de la Encarnación is a Gothic church building in Vélez-Málaga featuring three naves separated by pointed arches. The interior is covered by ribbed vaults that lead to a polygonal choir.

The building was constructed in 1485 on the foundations of a former mosque, marking the site's transition to a Christian place of worship. Major reconstruction followed a severe earthquake in 1850.

The interior preserves an arch from the original mosque, showing how this place transformed from an Islamic to a Christian place of worship. This architectural element tells the story of religious and cultural change that took place in the region.

The building is open daily to visitors and allows access to the rooftop with views over the town and surrounding landscape. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best light for observing the architectural details.

A large chandelier with 34 lights hangs above the central nave, creating shifting patterns on the stone walls as light moves through the day. This ornate fixture captivates visitors who notice how the illumination changes with the sun's position.

Location: Vélez-Málaga

GPS coordinates: 36.78551,-4.10205

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:03