Parroquia San Pablo
C/ Domingo Gómez, 1 - BAJO • 30550 ABARÁN
Information
Abarán’s main historic church
The Church of Saint Paul (Iglesia de San Pablo), dedicated to the Conversion of Saint Paul, is the main parish church of Abarán and one of the most important religious monuments in the Ricote Valley. It is located in the town’s historic centre and stands as one of the key historical and spiritual landmarks of the municipality. Historical and architectural studies trace its origins back to the 16th century, when an early church is documented in connection with the Christian reorganization of the territory after the repopulation period. The current building is the result of extensions and reforms carried out between the 17th and 18th centuries, which gave it its present configuration.Architecture and artistic heritage
The church features a three-aisled basilical floor plan, with a transept and dome, following the characteristic layout of Baroque religious architecture in southeastern Spain. Its exterior is relatively simple, contrasting with the richness of its interior space. Inside, the most notable feature is the main altarpiece in Neo-Baroque style, one of the most representative artistic elements of the church, replacing an earlier 18th-century altarpiece. The building also preserves an important artistic heritage, including works attributed to the Murcian sculptor José Planes, such as a Recumbent Christ (Cristo Yacente) and a figure of Saint Peter, which enhance the church’s sculptural value. Among its historical elements, the tabernacle door attributed to Juan de Juanes also stands out, along with other liturgical pieces of significant heritage value linked to the Diocese of Cartagena.Tourist value and urban setting
The Church of Saint Paul is integrated into Abarán’s historic centre, surrounded by traditional streets that connect with other points of interest in the town. Its location allows visitors to experience an authentic urban landscape closely linked to the historical development of Abarán.A symbol of local identity
Beyond its architectural value, the Church of Saint Paul represents the cultural and religious identity of Abarán, serving for centuries as the setting for celebrations, traditions, and community life. Its historical evolution reflects the growth of the town and its central role within the Ricote Valley.The church of San Pablo, dedicated to the "Conversion of San Pablo", stands out for its neo-baroque altarpiece. This temple dates back to the 16th century and received its current layout in the 18th century. It has a basic structure of three naves with transept and dome, opening at the entrance to the temple into a sottocoro with a semicircular arch.
It houses outstanding works such as a lying Christ and a Saint Peter by the sculptor José Planes. The current altarpiece is a replacement for a splendid 18th century one. The door of the tabernacle, attributed to Juan de Juanes, is also important. The sacristy houses the chasuble of Cardinal Belluga, which was exhibited in "Huellas": historical exhibition in the Cathedral of Murcia.
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SAN PABLO CHURCH
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