Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador - Seville

The Salvador Church or better 'Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador' is the most important church in Seville after the Cathedral . Like many other churches in Seville, 'El Salvador' has a long history.

To begin with, it was a basilica in Roman times , located at the Roman Forum (today the Plaza del Pan y Plaza del Alfalfa). During the Arab rule (IX century) a mosque was built on the same site, the Ibn Adabbas Mosque.

The side chapel and the patio (courtyard) containing the fountain still have construction elements (including pillars) that date from Roman, Visigothic and Arabic times. You can view this patio via the entrance to Calle Córdoba . Please note, this is a small alley between many shoe shops. The basis of the facade on Calle Córdoba also dates from Islamic times.

After the Arab rule , the mosque continues to exist. Only then the Christian faith is practiced. At the back of the current church you can admire the altarpiece from that time (13th to 17th century). In the year 1671 , the mosque (mezquita) was demolished and construction of a church began on the same site. However, this church collapsed during construction.

In the year 1679, construction of a new church started and, for fear of its collapse again, they used enormous construction pillars made of stone (by José Granado). You will see this when you visit the church. The dome is also special, 40 meters high and made of 'light' bricks. The master who has this to his name is Leonardo de Figueroa, a famous architect from the 17th century.

Ultimately , the 'El Salvador' church was completed in the year 1712 under the reign of King Carlos II. It is definitely worth visiting the church. In addition to the many architectural influences that can be admired, there are important and beautiful altarpieces. There are also many interesting icons.

Finally, the names of the most important sculptors , many of whose works can be admired: Ivan Martinez Montañes, Juan de Mesa and Cayetano de Acosta.

The above-mentioned architect Leonardo de Figueroa is an important name because of the dome, the facade and other impressive buildings in Seville that he has to his name, such as; 'El Hospital de los Venerables', 'Hospital de la Caridad', Palacio de San Telmo, 'Iglesia de San Luís' and more...

Willem Vandenameele