1- CHURCH OF SAN MATEO
There are references to its existence since 1399, and it has been the main church since 1546. The current building began its construction in the 16th century in a late Gothic style, under the auspices of the 1st Marquess of Tarifa, but it remained unfinished. The facade was completed in neoclassical style at the end of the 18th century.
Inside, the church features three naves, with the side aisles covered by ribbed vaults and the central nave, taller and adorned with rich relief figurative iconography. The Chapel of Sagrario, constructed within a pre-existing structure dedicated to San Pedro, stands out. This chapel houses a remarkable collection of images and altarpieces that originated from a larger altarpiece dating back to 1611, which was dismantled.
Text: Alejandro Pérez-Malumbres Landa
Translation: Juan Glez. Fleta
Format: MONUMENT
Image:
-Guide’s map (Juan Luís Pérez Blanco, Alejandro Pérez-Malumbres Landa).
-Gothic vaults,
-Sacristy Chapel
2- CHURCH OF SAN FRANCISCO DE ASÍS
It is the second parish of Tarifa, dating back to the 16th century. It was rebuilt in the 18th century in Neoclassical style. Inside there is imagery ranging from the 16th to the 20th century. The facade has an unusual composition as the entrance is located beneath the bell tower. Above the door, framed by a stone cord, you can see the coat of arms of the Franciscans (the arms of Christ and Saint Francis intertwined) and a painted inscription.
DEO OPTIMO MAXIMO = “To God, most good, most great”
Pract. Eccl. = “Ecclesiastical practice”
Text: Alejandro Pérez-Malumbres Landa
Translation: Juan Glez. Fleta
Image:
-Map (Juan Luis Pérez-Blanco)
-Photo of the interior of the church (Alejandro Pérez-Malumbres Landa)
-Photo of the facade and the inscription.
-Detail of the Franciscan crest above the door (Alejandro Pérez-Malumbres Landa)
3- CHAPEL OF INMACULADA
Belonging to the current Nursing Home of San José, it has its origins in the Hospital of San Bartolomé or Divine Mercy. The current chapel was built between 1910 and 1929 in an eclectic style. Inside, the image of the Holy Christ of Charity from the 18th century stands out, the titular figure of the Brotherhood of the same name.
Text: Alejandro Pérez-Malumbres Landa
Translation: Juan Glez. Fleta
Image:
-INTERIOR PHOTO,
-PHOTO OF CHRIST OF HEALTH
4- CHURCH OF SANTIAGO
This temple is one of the oldest in Tarifa and marks the spot where Christians conquered the city in 1292. The facade with a bell-gable retains decorative paintings. On one side, in the 16th century, the Gothic chapel of La Purísima is added, featuring reliefs inside with the Tetramorphs, also known as the symbols of the four Evangelists. The entire rear part, a nave with interconnected side chapels through arches, is in ruins. The entire temple is in a worrying state of neglect.
Text: Alejandro Pérez-Malumbres Landa
Translation: Juan Glez. Fleta
Image:
-Plan (Juan Luis Pérez Blanco, Alejandro Pérez-Malumbres Landa).
-Late Gothic vault with Tetramorphs (Manuel Rojas Peinado)
5-SANTA MARÍA CHURCH
This is the oldest Christian temple in Tarifa and was its first Main Church, but today is deconsecrated. It was built in two phases: first, a qubba with islamic inspiration, which now corresponds to the presbytery, and later, three naves separated by pointed arches were added. The side entrance is mannerist. Inside, you can see remnants of roman construction.
Text: Alejandro Pérez-Malumbres Landa
Translation: Juan Glez. Fleta
Image:
-Plan Map (Juan Luis Pérez Blanco, Alejandro Pérez-Malumbres Landa)
-General photo of the interior (Manuel Rojas)
-Roman remnants in the presbytery (Alejandro Pérez-Malumbres Landa)
6- CHAPEL OF THE HOSPITAL “HOSPITALITO”
This building, though extensively altered on the exterior, dates back to the 16th century when it served as the residence of the City Regidor Juan Jiménez Serrano. In his will, Juan Jiménez donated the building to establish the Hospital of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception and Saint John the Baptist. While it has undergone changes, it still retains a beautiful courtyard that once featured paintings and a small chapel with a gothic vault. The chapel was redecorated in the late 18th century with painted figures and poems dedicated to the Immaculate Conception and denouncing the Zodiac as a way to approach her. It remained associated with the hospital until 1847.
Text: Alejandro Pérez-Malumbres Landa
Translation: Juan Glez. Fleta
Image:
-Chapel plan (Juan Luis Pérez Blanco)
-Photo of the chapel vault (Manuel Rojas Peinado)
-Detail of the Zodiac signs Scorpio, Gemini, and Taurus (Alejandro Pérez-Malumbres Landa)
