Former Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor
The bell tower of the former parish church of Santa María la Mayor, dating from the first half of the 14th century, is still preserved, attached to the left arm of the transept of the current Baroque church. It is of powerful proportions, with an octagonal square floor plan and four superimposed storeys. It undoubtedly had, in addition to a religious and military function, the symbolic function of rivalling the castle's keep, representing the power of the Alcañiz council against the Order of Calatrava.
Once the Gothic building had been destroyed, the new construction was begun on 20 May 1736, the feast of Pentecost, according to plans by Domingo de Yarza. The latter had worked on the Pilar, which is reflected precisely in the similarity of their floor plans: a church with three naves of equal height, transept and side chapels.
The sacristy of the present Baroque church contains a set of Gothic and Renaissance panel paintings. Fabián Mañas has attributed them to Domingo Ram and the "Maestro de Alcañiz".
VISITS: They are free and free of charge (except for the sacristy). It is usually open between 10.30 and 13.30; and between 17.00 and 20.00 (always at the discretion of the parish priest).
Except on Saturday afternoons, when it is closed.
