Iglesia de la Magdalena, Seville

Santa María Magdalena is a Baroque church located in Seville. Its construction took place between 1691 and 1709, following the design of the architect Leonardo de Figueroa. The church serves as the headquarters for several religious brotherhoods, which actively participate in the renowned religious processions for which Seville is well-known.

Originally, this church was constructed to serve as part of a Dominican monastery, replacing a medieval building that dated back to the period following the Christian conquest of the city in 1248. However, during the 19th century, the monastery was closed down, and Santa María Magdalena was subsequently transformed into a parish church.

The church's façade boasts three entrances, one of which features a sculpture of "Saint Dominic" created by Pedro Roldán. Above these entrances, you'll find an oculus, flanked by two blue spheres representing the mysteries of the rosary, along with a bell tower dating back to 1697. The church's exterior is characterized by a prominent use of blue and red decorative elements.

Inside the church, you'll find a central nave, two aisles, a transept, five chapels (including the only surviving chapel from the previous structure, owned by the Brotherhood of the Fifth Anguish), and a presbytery. The nave is crowned by an octagonal dome, featuring exterior decorations reminiscent of Inca Indians. The interior of the church is adorned with rich Baroque ornamentation, including stuccoes and a gilded patina.

The Chapel of Dulce Nombre de Jesús features a masterpiece by Roldán and a depiction of Christ Reborn by Jerónimo Hernández. The 18th-century Baroque high altar showcases sculptures by Pedro Duque y Cornejo and Francisco de Ocampo. There's also a retable of the Assumption by Juan de Mesa, frescoes by Lucas Valdés, and two canvases by Francisco de Zurbarán, among other valuable artworks.