Church of the Santas Justa y Rufina, Orihuela, Gothic church in Orihuela, Spain.
The Church of the Santas Justa y Rufina is a Gothic structure in Orihuela featuring a single nave flanked by side chapels. A striking Gothic bell tower crowned with pinnacles and decorative spires rises above the building and dominates the city skyline.
Construction began around 1300 on the foundations of a former mosque, reflecting the transition from Muslim to Christian rule in medieval Spain. This architectural transformation shows how the city reshaped its religious and cultural priorities following the Reconquista.
The church is named after Saints Justa and Rufina, whose veneration appears in the interior vaults through decorated keys that represent local and religious symbols of these patron saints. These depictions allow visitors to see the deep connection between the city and its protectors.
The building is easily accessible with both Renaissance and Baroque entrances located on Calle Santa Justa. Visitors can explore the interior freely, and wheelchair access is available for those who need it.
The bell tower is one of only two remaining examples of Gothic bell towers in the Valencian Community, the other being the Miquelet of Valencia Cathedral. This rarity makes the structure a valuable record of a specific architectural period in the region.
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