The Parish Church of San Esteban Protomartyr, located precisely in Plaza San Esteban, is one of the oldest in Valencia and also one of the most important. It is currently considered an Asset of Cultural Interest and a National Artistic Monument since 1955.

This church was built on an old mosque that existed previously and was conceived on the basis of the Gothic structures of the Valencian parish churches. That is, it consists of a single nave and chapels between the buttresses.

However, during the seventeenth century the Church of San Esteban was modified to look more like a Baroque style.

Externally, especially compared to other more recent churches, the building may seem somewhat sober, but ithas characteristic details that make it stand out. Among them are the buttresses that have gargoyles that appear protruding above the smooth wall . Also noteworthy are the simple design door that leads directly to the Plaza de San Esteban, as well as the bell tower.

The exterior sobriety clashes directly with the overloaded decoration of the interior. In addition, it should be borne in mind that the Baroque style established later was not part of its original structure, so it also differs in some elements with other Baroque churches.

For example, the ribbed vaults were not covered, but were raised again in the seventeenth century between semicircular arches.

On the other hand, the decoration is organized by plaster pilasters between the arches of the chapels, thus supporting an entablamento covered with details of vegetables and angels.

The background was painted, predominantly the base blue color, on which a white sgraffito with vegetables was also drawn in undulating compositions.

The historical importance of the Church of San Esteban was also combined with a social influence, especially since 1682, when the brotherhood of notaries sponsored the construction of the foot chapels, the baptismal font of San Vicente Ferrer and San Luis Bertrán in the center. Since then, it has been one of the favourite places for Valencians to celebrate the baptism ceremony with their children there, as well as to represent the baptism of the saint during the Easter season.


Dades bàsiques

Direcció:

Plaza de Sant Esteve, 2
46003 Valencia