Church of San Lorenzo Mártir - Cadiz - Andalusia

The construction of the Church of San Lorenzo Mártir in 1722 was thanks to the patronage of Bishop Lorenzo Armengual de la Monta, who, with the support of the municipality, wanted to endow the La Viña tenure.

The church has a Latin cross plan with a single nave and a slightly pronounced cross. The nave is divided into four bays separated by Doric columns flanking the ornate circular chambers that give access to the various chapels arranged along the side walls. Each bay of the nave is covered by a barrel vault with openings that bring light into the church.

The main facade has simple lines, focusing the architectural interest on the front facade. On the right is a ceramic plaque representing the Brotherhood of the Afflicted , a very delicate work in the cuerda seca technique made by Ruiz de Luna in 1927. Next to it is a niche with the image of Our Lady of Sorrows . This work was carried out in 1729 by José Montes de Oca. In one of the corners the tower stands on a bench, octagonal and topped by a spire covered with 18th-century Sevillian tiles.

Inside , the main altarpiece stands out , made of gilded wood like the rest of this temple and considered to be one of the best-made baroque altarpieces in Cádiz of the 18th century, a work by Francisco López in 1727. The central part shows the image of Our Lady del Pilar and San Lorenzo , polychrome statue from the 18th century. In the attic there is the sculptural group of the Trinity of Genoese inspiration.

The chapels of Pilar and the Venerable Third Order of the Servite , with important pieces and statues from the 18th century, stand out for their artistic importance within the church.

Willem Vandenameele