Real Colegiata de Santa María La Mayor, Renaissance religious building in Antequera, Spain.
The Real Colegiata de Santa María La Mayor is a Renaissance religious structure where three naves are separated by Ionic columns beneath semicircular arches. These arches are decorated with ornamental pearl patterns throughout the interior.
Construction started in 1514 under Bishop Diego Ramírez de Villaescusa and reused stone from the former Roman city of Singilia. The project reflected how the region was reclaiming materials from its classical past.
The interior space now hosts concerts and traveling exhibitions, blending its religious heritage with contemporary cultural activities. The church has become a living venue where artistic events take place regularly.
The building is open daily with standard visiting hours and is easy to access from the town center. It is worth checking ahead if special events or concerts are scheduled, as they may affect regular visitation.
The main chapel holds deep vaults in Gothic-Mudejar style with intricate star patterns of six and eight points, illuminated by Florentine windows. These windows cast shifting light across the geometric patterns, creating a memorable visual effect.
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