Iglesia San Miguel Arcángel

Historia y Arquitectura

La Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel de Escalona es un edificio de gran relevancia histórica y artística. Construida sobre los restos de una antigua iglesia románica, de la cual solo se conserva parte de la estructura, fue ampliada en el siglo XVII tras su elevación a colegiata en 1608 por bula del Papa Paulo V. Tras una restauración en 2007, el templo ha recuperado su esplendor arquitectónico y artístico.

Retablo Mayor y Obras Artísticas

El retablo mayor, una obra maestra del barroco, destaca por su rica ornamentación y dorados. En su centro se encuentra una pintura al óleo sobre lienzo de la Inmaculada Concepción, patrona de Escalona. Otra pieza destacada es la escultura de la “Virgen

con el Niño” o “Virgen Blanca”, del siglo XV, una obra de gran belleza que refleja la tradición artística medieval-cristiana. Tras su restauración, la imagen luce un manto con pliegues angulosos, una corona floreada y una sonrisa característica de las representaciones marianas del último medievo.

Estructura Arquitectónica

El templo tiene una planta rectangular de tres naves, con el coro situado a los pies, ocupando la nave central. El crucero está cubierto por una bóveda de media naranja sobre pechinas, mientras que el ábside y los brazos del crucero se separan mediante arcos de medio punto. En la nave derecha se encuentra una capilla del siglo XVII,cubierta por una bóveda semiesférica con linterna y nervaduras, y amueblada con un retablo barroco de gran interés. Esta capilla está separada del resto del templo por una rejería de forja.

El Coro y el Órgano

En el pilar del coro, separado por una rejería, se encuentra una sillería distribuida en dos filas de doble altura, con entradas laterales y un corredor elevado. Aquí se  ubica un órgano fechado en 1640, reformado en el siglo XVIII, que añade un valor musical e histórico al conjunto.

San Roque y la Tradición del “Chusco del Santo”

La iglesia alberga la imagen de San Roque, patrón de Escalona, cuya fiesta se celebra el 16 de agosto. Este día es central en las tradiciones del municipio, con la entrega del “chusco del Santo”, un pan bendecido que se reparte entre los vecinos desde tiempos inmemoriales. Esta tradición refleja la profunda devoción y el arraigo cultural de la comunidad.

Contexto Histórico

La iglesia, como parte del patrimonio religioso de Escalona, está vinculada a la historia de la región durante la Edad Media y el Renacimiento. Su transformación en colegiata en el siglo XVII marcó un periodo de esplendor, reflejado en su arquitectura y obras artísticas. La restauración de 2007 ha permitido conservar y revitalizar este legado para las generaciones futuras.

Datos Curiosos

- El órgano del coro, fechado en 1640, es uno de los elementos más antiguos y valiosos del templo.

- La “Virgen Blanca” es considerada una de las esculturas marianas más bellas de la tradición medieval en la región.

- La tradición del “chusco del Santo” es un ejemplo vivo de la conexión entre la fe y la comunidad en Escalona.

Este templo es un testimonio del rico patrimonio histórico, artístico y religioso de Escalona, invitando a los visitantes a explorar su historia y significado.

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It was built on remins of an old Romanesque church, it was expanded in the 17th century after becoming a collegiate church. It was restored in 2007, preserving its Baroque main altarpiece, with a painting of the Immaculate Conception, patron saint of Escalona. Also highlights the sculpture of the "Virgin with Child" (15th century) and the image of San Roque, patron saint of the municipality, whose festival day is celebrated on August 16 with the tradition of the "chusco del Santo". Since 2011, the image of the Immaculate Conception (17th century) stay in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, except from December 7 to 9, when it is moved to the convent.

The church with a rectangular floor with three naves has a choir, a calvary covered by a half orange vault and a 17th century chapel with a hemispherical vault. The choir organ, dated in 1640, adds historical and musical value to the complex.

MORE INFORMATION

History and architecture

San Miguel Arcangel Chuch in Escalona s a building with a great historial and artistic relevance. It was built on the remains of an old Romanesque church, of which only part of the structure is preserved it was expanded in the 17th century after being elevated to a collegiate church in 1608 by Pope Paul V. After a renovation in 2007, the chirch has recovered its architectural and artistic splendor.

Main Altarpiece and Artistic Works

The main altarpiece is a Baroque piece which stands out for its rich golden ornamentation. In its center is an oil on canvas painting of the Inmaculada Concepción, patron saint of Escalona. Another highlight piece is the 15th-century sculpture of the "Virgin with Child" or "White Virgin," a work of great beauty which shows the medieval Christian artistic tradition. After its renovation, the image shows a mantle with angular folds, a floral crown, and a smile characteristic of late medieval Marian representations.

Architectural Structure

The church has a rectangular floor with three naves, with the choir located at the foot of the nave, occupying the central nave. The calvary is covered by a half orange vault on pendentives, while the apse and the calvary arms are separated by semicircular arches. In the right nave is a 17 th century chapel, which is covered by a hemispherical vault with a lantern and ribs and with a very interesting Baroque altarpiece. This chapel is separated from the rest of the church by wrought iron grilles.

The Choir and the Organ

In the choir pillar, separated by a grille, there are two doublé height rows with side entrances and elevated corridor. Here is an organ, dating on 1640, renovated in the 18 th century which has great historical and musical value.

San Roque and the tradition of “Chusco del Santo”

The chuch has the image  of San Roque, the patron saint of Escalona, ​​whose festival day is celebrated on August 16. This is an important day for the traditions of the town with the distribution of the "chusco del Santo," this tradition consists on blessed bread which is distribuited among residents since time immemorial. This tradition reflects a deep devotion.

Historical Context

The church, as part of Escalona's religious heritage, is connected to the region's history during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Its transformation into a collegiate church in the 17th century was a period of splendor reflected in its architecture and artistics works. The 2007 renovation has allowed us to preserve and revitalize this legacy for future generations.

Curious information.

-The choir organ, dating from 1640, is one of the oldest and most valuable elements of the church.

-The "White Virgin" is considered one of the most beautiful Marian sculptures of the medieval tradition in the region.

-The tradition of “chusco del Santo” is an example of the connection between faith and residents in Escalona.

The church is historical, artistic and religious heritage of Escalona inviting visitors to explore its history and significance.