Church of the Santas Justa y Rufina, Orihuela

The Church of the Santas Justa y Rufina, known locally as Iglesia de las Santas Justa y Rufina, is a magnificent Catholic temple located in the historic city of Orihuela, in the Baix Segura region of Spain. This architectural gem, with its blend of Gothic and Baroque styles, stands as a testament to the rich religious and cultural heritage of the area. Its construction dates back to the 14th century, with significant renovations carried out in the 16th and 18th centuries, making it a fascinating site for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike.

Architectural Splendor

As you approach the Church of the Santas Justa y Rufina, the first thing that catches your eye is its towering Gothic bell tower. This imposing structure, adorned with pinnacles and a cross-ribbed vault in the bell chamber, is reminiscent of the Micalet of the Valencia Cathedral, making it one of the few Gothic bell towers of this type in the Valencian Community. The tower houses a remarkable collection of bells, mostly dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries, and one of the oldest pieces of clockwork in Spain, dating back to the early 14th century.

The church features two distinct façades, each reflecting a different architectural period. The lateral or Gospel façade, attributed to architect Juan Inglés, is a triumphal arch-style Renaissance masterpiece. Built around 1568, this façade is adorned with intricate sculptures by Francisco de Ayala, including angels with outspread wings supporting the upper structure. The main façade, known as the Façade of the Steps, is a Baroque creation from the 18th century by architect Antonio Villanueva. Although the upper part of this façade features a medallion of the titular saints in the Bernini style, the overall work remains incomplete, adding an air of mystery to the structure.

Exploring the Interior

Stepping inside the Church of the Santas Justa y Rufina, you are greeted by a single nave with side chapels nestled between the buttresses. The nave is covered by a ribbed vault, with the keystones beautifully decorated in polychrome and gold, showcasing motifs of the city, the Crown of Aragon, and the titular saints. The interior exudes a sense of grandeur and reverence, with its blend of Gothic and Renaissance elements.

One of the notable chapels is the Chapel of Saint Anthony, featuring a stunning Baroque altarpiece with Solomonic columns crafted by 18th-century sculptor José Ganga Ripoll. The presbytery, designed in Renaissance style by French architect Agustí de Bernaldino, replaces the original Gothic presbytery. Its square plan is crowned with a large dome supported by pendentives and a drum, with windows that illuminate the space. The presbytery's vaults, walls, and dome are adorned with coffered decorations, creating a visually captivating space.

The Chapel of Communion

At the back of the church lies the Chapel of Communion, constructed in the 18th century by architect Antonio Villanueva. This chapel is divided into two distinct parts: an atrium with a square plan and the oval-shaped main chapel, both culminating in an elliptical dome that appears as a half-orange from the outside. The dome is supported by gilded composite order pilasters. The centerpiece of the chapel is a beautiful Baroque-classicist altarpiece from the 18th century, also crafted by José Ganga Ripoll, featuring a Gothic statue of Our Lady of the Rosary from the 14th century, gilded and repainted in the 17th century.

The Baptismal Font and Sacristy

The church's baptismal font, a red marble creation by Valencian sculptor Joan Baptista Borja, is located in the square part of the temple. Originally intended to be supported by carved lions, Borja ultimately replaced them with a wooden lid intricately decorated with biblical scenes. This area is adorned with 18th-century works, including pieces by Joaquín Campos, such as The Good Shepherd.

The sacristy, designed in the 18th century by architect Jaume Bort i Melià, is a square, open-plan space with a vaulted ceiling and lunette windows. The sacristy is richly decorated with Baroque-style furniture from the 18th century, crafted by baroque sculptor Josep de Ganga. A large central cabinet houses the urn of the Holy Thursday monument, an 18th-century work by Antoine Duparc. Adjacent to the sacristy is the ante-sacristy, decorated with 18th-century paintings and portraits, including The Birth of Christ, The Saints Justa and Rufina, and Portrait of Bishop Tormo of Orihuela. This area also features an 18th-century marble fountain.

Preserving Heritage

Despite being looted during the War of the Spanish Succession and the Spanish Civil War, the Church of the Santas Justa y Rufina still houses a significant collection of movable heritage. Highlights include the 18th-century altarpieces of the Chapel of Communion and the Chapel of Saint Anthony, as well as the 14th-century Gothic statue of Our Lady of the Rosary. The church also boasts an impressive collection of Baroque, Neoclassical, and Academicist silverware.

One of the church's most treasured possessions is its 18th-century organ, located above the main entrance. This romantic instrument, with its neo-Gothic case decorated with various pediments, is a sight to behold. The organ's intricately painted doors are now housed in the Diputación Museum at the Santa Bárbara Castle in Alicante.

In conclusion, the Church of the Santas Justa y Rufina is not just a place of worship but a monument to Orihuela's rich history and artistic heritage. Its architectural beauty, historical significance, and cultural treasures make it an unmissable destination for anyone visiting this charming Spanish city. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a curious traveler, the Church of the Santas Justa y Rufina promises a captivating and enriching experience.