Parish church of San Bartolomé

The parish church of San Bartolomé in Beceite is a magnificent Baroque work erected in the 18th century. Its construction marked a milestone, replacing the original church also dedicated to San Bartolomé, whose existence is documented as far back as 1210. This ambitious project not only brought a new temple to life, but also transformed the surrounding urban fabric, creating a new square and compelling neighbouring buildings to open new doors and windows.

A stone on the main façade, dating from 1726, probably marks the completion of this impressive work. The façade, conceived as an altarpiece, is divided into two bodies elegantly flanked by richly decorated columnas salomónicas. In the upper niche, the figure of San Bartolomé, installed in 1973, presides over the ensemble.

Remarkably, from the original church of 1210, elements have been recovered that can still be admired today on the lateral façades of the current temple. On the north side, there is a striking column capital depicting biblical scenes, showing Samson prising open the jaws of a lion and Delilah with scissors in hand. On the south side, a ribbed vault keystone transports us to the medieval period, depicting a bishop in the act of blessing, a tangible testimony to the rich history that precedes this magnificent Baroque construction.

On the north façade of the church, at street level, one can perceive superimposed walls that block the windows opened to let more light into the church.

San Bartolomé, patron of the village together with San Eutropio. On 24 August, the feast day of this Saint, the image is carried in procession; in former times, it was also taken out in years of severe drought.