Collegiate of Santa María la Mayor, Briviesca

The Collegiate of Santa María la Mayor is a religious structure with a neoclassical facade divided into three sections and featuring Corinthian columns with symmetrical stone construction. The interior holds multiple chapels, baroque altarpieces, and artworks drawing from Renaissance and Hispanic-American artistic traditions.

The current building replaced a 14th-century Gothic structure initiated by Infanta Blanca of Portugal. Construction phases from the 15th through 18th centuries show a shift from Gothic to baroque and neoclassical styles.

The church displays baroque altarpieces with detailed carvings and religious paintings that reflect artistic interests across different periods. These works reveal connections to local artisans and the various styles that flowed into this space over generations.

The church is open to visitors during regular hours to view its architectural features, religious objects, and art collections. It is best to move slowly through the interior to fully appreciate the details of the altars and chapels.

A circular opening in the facade holds a Gothic stone image of the Virgin and Child transferred from a nearby hermitage. This sculpture is a rare example of how artwork was moved and reused between different locations.

Location: Briviesca

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture, baroque architecture

GPS coordinates: 42.54880,-3.32324

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:42