Santa María de Ujué, Wooden religious sculpture in Santa María Church, Navarre, Spain.
Santa María de Ujué is a wooden figure about two meters tall with gilded details standing in the central apse of the church. The sculpture is displayed behind protective glass in the main altar area where visitors can examine it closely.
The figure was created around 1200 and was covered with silver plates in the 14th century to enhance its appearance. These modifications reflect how artistic tastes changed over the centuries.
Local people carry the statue through the village streets in an annual procession held on the last Sunday of April. This tradition shows how deeply the sculpture remains connected to community life.
The sculpture can be viewed during regular church opening hours, and it is positioned behind protective glass for safety. The location in the main altar area allows good visibility from different parts of the church.
Hidden inside the wooden figure is a silver reliquary containing the preserved heart of a medieval king. This concealed element connects the sculpture to royal history and makes it far more than a simple religious artwork.
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