Church of the Oratory of San Felipe Neri - Cadiz - Andalusia

This temple, which belonged to the ancient Oratory of the Philippians , was built in 1688 according to the plans of the master builder (architect) Blas Díaz and inaugurated in 1719.

Later, the roof was rebuilt in 1764 due to damage from the 1755 tsunami . In addition to its artistic importance, it also has special historical significance as the seat of the Cortes (National Assembly), which drafted the first Spanish constitution in 1812.

The outside of the temple is articulated by Ionic pilasters , among which are numerous tombstones dedicated to the Donatist deputies (the name given to those who belonged to the Liberal Constitutional Movement), most notably erected in 1912 In this place they were placed on the occasion of the centenary of the Courts of Cadiz.

The oratory has an elliptical plan , surrounded by seven rectangular chapels , covered with barrel vaults and richly decorated. The Sagrario Chapel stands out, with a particular eighteenth- century Baroque altarpiece of Italian origin in colored marble , topped by a polychrome wooden crucifix also of Italian origin.

Inside, the main altar stands out, a work in Rococo style from the 18th century, made of gilded wood and surmounted by a painting depicting the Immaculate Conception , work by the famous Sevillian painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo.

The Center for the Interpretation of the 1812 Constitution is located in the building next to the Oratory of San Filippo. The visit to the center is divided into three major thematic parts: "Cádiz at the beginning of the 19th century; The city that houses the Spanish courts; "The historical context. The War of Independence'; Cadiz, seat of national sovereignty. The Constitution of 1812'.

Willem Vandenameele