Iglesia Parroquial de la Encarnación, Albolote
This is one of the most outstanding monuments, both visually and artistically. This church belongs to the extensive group of Mudejar architecture in Granada and is one of its most unique works, deserving a prominent place within it. The current church replaced an earlier one, which was built in the early sixteenth century on the site of a demolished mosque. Consequently, it is a late church, constructed at the end of the sixteenth century when the political and economic crisis resulting from the expulsion of the Moriscos had already taken hold.
However, it is one of the last churches to retain all the artistic values, construction techniques and volumetric and spatial modulations of the Mudejar tradition. At the same time, it features some original elements, such as the extensive development of the sanctuary with its transept, which reflect the influence of the liturgical and architectural changes that characterised the Council of Trent. Consequently, it is a building of singular interest in Granada's art history, representing a pivotal moment in the evolution of architecture during the final third of the sixteenth century.
Furthermore, its structure incorporates elements such as doorways, the main altarpiece and the altar railing, which are important manifestations of Classicist art from the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries.
Apart from its architectural structure, the church houses works of unique artistic importance, the main altarpiece being particularly notable and worthy of citation and publication in national research. Other altarpieces, paintings, sculptures, goldsmithing and embroidery also contribute to making its heritage one of the richest in the region. The original church was demolished in 1580 and worship was transferred to the Ermita de San Sebastián.
Construction of the church began in 1583, with the main work being completed by 1597. The main altarpiece, created by the finest masters of the time, was completed between 1605 and 1610. These masters included the art assembler Miguel Cano, the painter Pedro Raxis, and the sculptors Pablo de Rojas, Bernabé Gaviria, and Martín Aranda.
Two figures of singular importance to Granada's art and religion were involved in the temple's construction: Archbishop Pedro de Castro (1590–1610) and Ambrosio de Vico, the architect responsible for the structure, doorways and main altarpiece. It was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument in 1981. It is located on Calle Real.
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