Santa María La Mayor parish church

The Santa María la Mayor parish church of Valderrobres stands as a magnificent example of Levantine Gothic architecture in the province of Teruel. Its design integrates in a singular way with the imposing castle-palace of the town, creating a monumental ensemble of great beauty and historical interest.

Construction of this temple began in the second half of the 14th century. It was Archbishop Pedro López de Luna who drove the early phases, overseeing the building of the apse and the two initial bays of the church body.

Later, under Archbishop García Fernández de Heredia, work continued with the completion of the third section and the building of the bell tower. The latter, though slightly later in date, blends harmoniously with the existing structure, acting as a link between the church and the castle.

In the 18th century, the sacristy was added, annexed to the apse, completing the configuration that, despite many vicissitudes, has survived to our day.

The 19th century marked a period of great adversity for the church of Santa María la Mayor. Economic difficulties and the lack of institutional support led to extreme situations, such as the partial demolition of the roof of the third bay in 1877 by the parish priest and parishioners themselves to prevent a larger collapse. The ravages of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) also left a deep scar, with the destruction of the valuable Renaissance altarpiece and serious damage to the exterior ornamentation.

In a remarkable collective effort, a popular restoration in 1966 managed to return to the temple much of its original Gothic splendour, removing later additions and recovering the essence of its original design. This act of love and dedication by the people of Valderrobres underlines the cultural and spiritual importance of the church for the town.

The church of Santa María la Mayor is not only a work of Gothic art; its location and design link it intrinsically to the Castle-Palace of Valderrobres. Both buildings share the same elevated space, forming a defensive and religious ensemble that dominated the village. This symbiotic relationship is a testimony to the medieval history of Valderrobres, where ecclesiastical and seigneurial power intertwined in shaping the urban and cultural landscape.