Convento e Iglesia del Carmen, Orihuela
The convent and Church of the Virgen del Carmen
This impressive building is located in the square of the same name in the city centre, and was built in the baroque style although it was completely renovated in the 19th century. The square alongside it is possibly the most picturesque of the many which adorn the centre of Orihuela and is a pleasant place to stop and enjoy a bit of shade on a hot sightseeing tour, also housing the Town Hall, or Ayuntamiento.
It was first built between 1658 and 1686, and of the two doorways the more impressive is the left-hand one, which dates from 1727 and is elaborately decorated with floral and plant motifs and cherubim. The identity of the artist responsible for this doorway is not known, but it is typical of the French rococo and Laureano Villanueva had already begun to use this style in the area at that time.
Inside is an image of the Virgen del Carmen which is reputed to be the work of Francisco Salzillo, the greatest Murcian Baroque sculptor of his era who is responsible for many of the surviving masterpieces in both the Valencia and Murcia regions. ( There is a museum dedicated to Salzillo in Murcia, the Museo Salzillo).The niche in which this image is kept was restored in 2007.
The church itself is simply designed, as this is a Carmelite Nunnery, with a simple single nave design and a vaulted barrel ceiling, the church topped with a dome. As with most churches, restoration work was necessary following the horrors which preceded the Spanish Civil War, when thousands of churches were set alight or their contents destroyed.
The church is not generally open to the public for visits.
Location: Plaza del Carmen
Click for map, Plaza del Carmen, Orihuela
