Views of the church of San Miguel
Explore the church of San Miguel in Valjunquera visually, from its imposing tower to its detailed façade, and its harmonious integration into the urban environment.
Church of San Miguel in Valjunquera
Immerse yourself in the history and architecture of this impressive 18th-century Baroque church, a jewel of the Matarraña region.
A Baroque icon in the heart of the Matarraña region
The parish church of Valjunquera, dedicated to San Miguel Arcángel, is one of the most outstanding examples of Baroque style in the entire comarca del Matarraña. Built in a remarkably short period, between 1734 and 1747, its construction was masterfully directed by the master builder Cosme Bayod. This building follows the influential model known as the “estela pilarista”, whose centre of diffusion was the collegiate church of Alcañiz, marking a milestone in local religious architecture.
The majesty of its exterior
The exterior of the church is of notable architectural richness, with its characteristic square-plan tower rising imposingly over the landscape in three sections. Its impressive two-section façade-altarpiece was designed by Juan Antonio Martín, with the artistic collaboration of the talented Valjunquera sculptor Joaquín Espada, who together produced a work of great expressiveness and detail.
Did you know that the church of San Miguel lost eleven altars during the Spanish Civil War?
In 1788, the church housed eleven altars, but during the Spanish Civil War in 1936, the building lost all its altarpieces, carvings and sculptures, with the exception of the figure of San Miguel Arcángel that presides over the façade, although this too suffered damage, with one arm broken. The current altarpieces of the high altar and that of the Immaculate Conception were created in the 1950s, while most of the religious imagery dates from later periods.
The “estela pilarista”: A Baroque architectural model
The concept of the “estela pilarista”, fundamental to the configuration of the church of San Miguel, describes a Baroque constructive model that seeks to create a grandiose and unified interior space. Its distinctive features include:
This architectural design is emblematic of the Baroque style, whose main objective is to create an effect of grandeur, unity and drama in the interior space of the church, inviting admiration and spiritual contemplation.
Architectural elements
Hall church plan
A design in which all the naves (central and lateral) share the same height, generating a sense of breadth and visual continuity very characteristic of the late Baroque.
Barrel vaults with lunettes
Elements that cover the central nave and the arms of the transept, providing monumentality and allowing light to enter through the lateral openings.
Groin vaults
Used in the lateral naves, these vaults complement the main structure and contribute to the cohesion of the space.
Great dome
A central element that crowns the transept, resting on pendentives. This dome is not only an engineering feat, but also a symbol of divine magnificence and a visual focal point in the interior of the church.
Matarraña · Tourism
Plan your experience
Discover accommodation, local guides and services for your route through Matarraña.