Church of Santa María (former San Francisco)
Chapter 10/12 · Villaviciosa
This large church was the church of the Franciscan friary of San Juan de Capistrano, begun in 1734 in the old suburb known as «fuera'l Cañu». The church dates from 1743 and was directed by the master stonemason José de la Iglesia. In 1836, with the confiscation of church property, the friars were expelled, and in 1838 it became the parish church of the town, in place of La Oliva.
Outside it is very plain: the three-storey bell tower and the porch, with the coats of arms of the Franciscan order and of Spain, stand out. Inside it has a single nave with a lunette vault and a wide transept. Here the Virgin of El Portal, patron saint of the town, is venerated; her September festivities are the busiest in Villaviciosa, with their parade of floats. The Holy Week Museum is very close by.
Now we head up to the market hall.
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