Portal and chapel of San Francisco

The chapel of San Francisco stands discreetly in the southern part of Fuentespalda, on the street of the same name. Similar to the chapel-gateway of San Antonio, this building is the result of the fascinating transformation of one of the old town gates into a raised chapel, merging defensive function with devotion.

Unlike its counterpart, the chapel-gateway of San Antonio, in the chapel of San Francisco the original arches of the gateway have disappeared, giving way to a unique structure. Both inside and out, the design is characterised by wooden elements and a post-and-lintel construction, which gives it a sober and traditional feel.

Access to the interior of the chapel is through a wide opening, also post-and-lintel, closed with a door and a delicate wooden balustrade, inviting contemplation. The chapel's roof, true to local tradition, is covered with traditional tiles, integrating it harmoniously into the urban landscape of Fuentespalda.

In the 15th century, the town of Fuentespalda was characterised by its marked rural character and a relatively small population of approximately 85 houses. The influence of this period is still palpable in the urban layout of its historic centre, which preserves the essence of its medieval past.

The town was strategically surrounded by defensive walls, in some stretches ingeniously formed by the rear walls of the houses themselves. These walls not only provided protection, but also housed several access gates, many of which, over time, were transformed into chapel-gateways, such as the well-known gateways of San Francisco Javier and San Antonio.

It is assumed that the Calle Mayor of Fuentespalda was flanked by two gateways. One of them, the Portal de la Virgen del Carmen, fortunately still preserves its distinctive pointed arches, bearing witness to the architecture of the period. However, the other gateway must have disappeared as a result of the sweeping urban reforms carried out in the eastern part of the town in the mid-16th century. It was during this period of transformation that the imposing Casa de los Belsas was built, a palace of ashlar masonry following the typology of the Aragonese palace, establishing itself as one of the most important and distinctive buildings in Fuentespalda.