Location
Address: Plaza Cristo Rey
Brochure:
Timetable:
History
The first church of “El Salvador” was located at the south side of the San Fernando square. It was a Mudejar-influenced parish church, which, by the 18th century was in a state of ruin. After the expulsion of the Jesuits from Spain in 1767, the church in the San Teodomiro school became available, so it was decided to demolish the old parish church and move to this larger and more recently built church.
In 1620, the Jesuit community here had obtained permission to establish a school and church. For this purpose, they bought various houses near the Santa María church, where they built their original church and school. In 1701, they started work on the new buildings designed by the architect Pedro Romero, and which are still standing today.
Points of interest
The church is designed internally in accordance with the typical Latin cross ground plan with three large naves. The main nave is the highest and is covered by a barrel vault with lunettes, while the lateral naves are smaller and are topped with groin vaults. Above the transept there is a majestic dome, decorated with images of the Evangelists and topped with a lantern.
The main altarpiece dates to the 18th century and was made by local maestro José Maestre, and has an image of the Divine Saviour in the main niche.
On the outside the church has two imposing entrances with a certain noble bearing, built in a classic Baroque style, in which maestro Francisco Gómez Septién took part.
The main door, located at the beginning of the central nave, opens onto the Plaza de Cristo Rey square, while the lateral entrance, situated in the Epistle nave, leads onto Salvador street.
On the north-western corner, we can see the start of a tower, with a body of bells, but whose construction was never completed.
Brotherhoods
The “Royal and Illustrious Brotherhood of Our Father Jesus of the Crowning of Thorns, Mary Most Holy of Hope and St. John the Evangelist.”
This brotherhood, known as the Esperanza, was established and its first internal rules were passed in 1566.
Our Father Jesus of the Crown of Thorns.
18th century, anonymous. Attributed to Pedro Roldán´s circle.
María Santísima de la Esperanza.
18th Century, Anonymous.
El Santísimo Cristo de los Desamparados.
18th Century, Anonymous.
On Palm Sunday the Esperanza (“Hope”) brotherhood holds its penitential procession.
During the procession, the penitents accompanying the “Mystery” float wear white tunics and capes, with purple velvet pointed hoods and purple and white cinctures or belts. The penitents who accompany the float carrying the Virgin wear white robes and capes, green velvet hoods and green and white cinctures. The brotherhood´s Procession of Penance takes part in the old part of town, and is especially worth seeing when it passes the Mudejar church of San Felipe. The “Mystery” float is carried by 44 costaleros while and the Virgin´s float is also carried by 44 costaleros.
The “Holy Christ of the Forsaken” brotherhood has its Procession of Penance on Good Friday, and is carried by 29 costaleros. A remarkable moment is when it goes past the “Torno” (revolving door) of the Santa Clara convent.
Website: http://www.hermandaddelaesperanza.es
> See more information (The Esperanza brotherhood).
> See more information (The Rocío brotherhood).
Fraternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Most Sorrowful. Secular Order of the Servants of Mary, established in 1739.
María Santísima de los Dolores 18th Century. Anonymous. Sevillian school.
Its procession takes place on the Friday before Palm Sunday.
Due to the nature of the Orden Tercera (“Third Order”), the followers of this brotherhood do not wear penitent robes during its procession of penance. The float is carried by 20 costaleros and, from when the procession leaves the church until it arrives at the main Santa Maria church, there is no musical accompaniment. The Corona Dolorosa, a special prayer to the Virgin Mary – and very characteristic of the Servitas Order -, is said and a brass band then joins the procession for its return to the Salvador church.
Website: http://servitascarmona.blogspot.com