Convento de Consolación

Nestled in the charming town of Utrera, in the province of Seville, Spain, the Convento de Nuestra Señora de Consolación stands as a testament to centuries of religious devotion, architectural splendor, and historical significance. This convent, founded in the 16th century by the Order of the Minims of St. Francis of Paola, has witnessed the ebb and flow of history, from its inception to its disentailment in the 19th century. Today, it is not just a religious site but a cultural landmark that continues to draw visitors from all over the world.

The Sanctuary of Consolación

The sanctuary, which serves as the church of the convent, was primarily constructed in the early 17th century. This single-nave structure, with its expansive transept and square main chapel, is a marvel of architectural design. The main entrance, flanked by pairs of columns, features statues of bishops crafted in 1635 by Alonso Álvarez de Albarrán. Above the entrance, the frontispiece showcases tiles depicting saints alongside the Virgin of Consolación, adding a touch of divine artistry to the façade.

Inside, the sanctuary is adorned with wooden ceilings featuring intricate Mudéjar-style latticework, likely the handiwork of Gregorio Tirado in 1578. The main altarpiece, dating back to the 18th century and attributed to José de la Barreda, is a sight to behold. It boasts four grand Solomonic columns and in its center, the revered image of the Virgin of Consolación. The altarpiece also includes reliefs of the Annunciation, the Visitation, and saints from the Order of St. Francis of Paola, offering a rich tapestry of religious iconography.

On the sides of the presbytery, two 17th-century canvases depict the Dormition of the Virgin and the Transfer of the Virgin's Body, adding to the sanctuary's artistic heritage. One arm of the transept houses a retable featuring the Christ of Forgiveness, surrounded by images of the Virgin, St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Anthony of Padua, and the Trinity. In the opposite arm, another retable showcases St. Francis of Paola, flanked by St. John the Baptist and the archangels Michael and Raphael.

The nave's walls are adorned with 17th-century canvases by a disciple of Murillo, illustrating scenes from the life of the Virgin. At the rear of the temple, two white marble columns support a wooden ceiling with Mudéjar decorations. Above this, the choir, with its 17th-century wooden grille and 48-seat choir stalls crafted in the early 18th century, adds a touch of ecclesiastical grandeur.

The sacristy, with its central pink marble table created by Juan Mariscal in 1745, is a treasure trove of 18th-century mural paintings. It houses an Apostolate series from the early 18th century, a 17th-century painting of the Adoration of the Shepherds, and another 17th-century work depicting Jesus on the Way to Calvary, signed by an artist named Alexander.

A Journey Through History

The origins of the Convento de Consolación are steeped in legend and devotion. According to a story narrated in 1619 by Diego Guzmán, the superior of the Minims in Utrera, a woman in 1490 decided to seclude herself with other women in her home in Seville. Surviving a plague in 1507, she moved to Utrera with a statue of the Virgin of Consolación. This statue was later bequeathed to a religious house in Utrera, which eventually became the Monastery of La Antigua.

In 1520, Antonio Barreda, a former servant of this woman, donned a hermit's habit and traveled to Rome to obtain a license for a hermitage. Joined by other men, they established a hermitage a quarter of a league from Utrera. Over time, the hermitage became a focal point of devotion, especially after a series of miracles attributed to the Virgin of Consolación.

By 1560, Antonio de Santa María, a Portuguese novice of the Minims, took charge of the hermitage. His efforts, along with support from influential figures like Captain Luis de Morales and cleric Francisco de la Cruz, led to the founding of the convent in 1561. The convent received numerous donations from nobility, including silver coffers, wheat, tuna barrels, and even a golden ship to adorn the Virgin.

The Convent's Evolution

Throughout the centuries, the Convento de Consolación evolved, serving as a novitiate and a center of learning. It even played a role during the Spanish War of Independence when it was used as a hospital by General Castaños. Despite being exclaustrated by the French in 1810, the convent saw the return of its friars and religious images in 1813.

By 1835, the convent was disentangled and repurposed, initially as a prison for military deserters. However, its religious significance endured, with the Brotherhood of Jesus Nazareno of Utrera reviving the procession in honor of the Virgin of Consolación in 1841. The Virgin, an anonymous 14th-century statue, was canonically crowned in 1964, cementing her status as the patroness of Utrera.

Today, the Convento de Consolación stands as a beacon of faith, history, and culture. Its walls echo the prayers of centuries past, and its art and architecture continue to inspire awe and reverence. A visit to this historic site is not just a journey through time but a pilgrimage of the soul, offering a glimpse into the profound spiritual heritage of Utrera.