Santa María Co-cathedral

Santa María tells a story of rebuilding rather than an untouched medieval church. Its origins reach back to the thirteenth century; fire required reconstruction, and the Civil War brought further destruction. The present building revives Gothic architectural language, while three entrances preserve evidence of earlier fabric. To recognise the distinction, compare those doorways with the church’s larger volumes. The entrance on Arcipreste Balaguer street is particularly useful for examining the older stonework. Inside, the Latin cross plan and ribbed vaults direct your gaze towards the altar. Baroque sculptures, including an eighteenth century Immaculate Conception, introduce another period into the visit. Its title of co-cathedral reflects a diocese that shares its seat with Segorbe. Looking at these different layers gives the building a richer story than simply calling it Gothic.