By the time we got to our fourth church during our day in Orihuela, even the fanatical church visiting de-I and Wife had had enough. Nonetheless, there were so many pictures from said churches, even after ruthlessly sending half of them to the deletion ether, that I was forced to break them apart as their own post.
All of the churches had their origins in the late Middle Ages. A number of them were renovated again and again over time causing a mish mosh architectural styles. I chose to not do a deep dive into the history of the churches. Instead, I'm going to present the photos according to their common features.
Exteriors
NOT blue tile!
Mystery of the Arches
I am sure you all remember your lessons in Gothic Architecture of the development of the groin vault that gives the domes designed in that period their height, shape and distinctive look. I always look up at the domes and ceilings as I find them often inspiring. But the ones in Orihuela were different. Something despite all the churches I've visited, I'd never seen before.
There were these round button like things at the joint intersections. What were they? Did they have some kind of significance?
It turns out they are called Vault Bosses and serve as both an architectural and decorative purpose. They add strength at each vault joint. But they are frequently designs, and in the Middle Ages coats of arms and similar heraldic designs. Basically, it was advertising who was putting the money up for church! Think of stadium naming rights.
Statues
Stained Glass
Even Churches can have organ envy
Really? Now THIS is an organ!
Artwork Detail
Those who follow know de-I likes to look at the detail of artwork to pick up on small things that might reflect on those who created the work.
None main characters from a large painting
A decidedly more modern style and interpretation
Wife said this looked like Jesus was in a skirt!
The classic pose for the vast majority of religious depictions of the holy family and saints is for them to looking at some point away from the person viewing the painting, as if they are in contemplation. This was from a whole row saint pictures in the main part of the church and was decidedly Not looking away from you. Why did the artist decide to do that?
Other non-typical looks
Then in the cathedral was extensive wrought iron work with intricate depictions. When viewed from the front they gave one impression. Viewed from the back, the impression was different. Was this on purpose?
Front
Front
Back
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