On the vast plains of the Spanish Meseta, in the province of Cuenca, lies the town of Belmonte, dominated by a majestic castle. But it is not only the fortress that draws travelers here. In the very heart of the town, another monumental structure rises proudly—a building that locals refer to as the main cathedral of the region. This is the collegiate church of San Bartolomé, a true architectural wonder with roots tracing deep into the past.
The history of this site began long before it took on its current appearance. Archaeological research has confirmed that its foundations are laid on the ruins of an ancient Visigothic parish church, dating back to the 5th century. However, the key figure in the fate of this building was Don Juan Pacheco, Marqués de Villena, one of the most influential and controversial nobles at the Castilian court in the 15th century. His ambition and desire to immortalize his power led to the start of a grand construction project. In 1459, with the support of Pope Pius II, Pacheco secured collegiate status for the church, establishing a chapter of thirty-two canons. Thus, Belmonte became one of the most important spiritual centers of the vast Marquessate of Villena.
From the outside, the building impresses with its austere, almost ascetic elegance. Its appearance combines the power and grace of the late Gothic style. The interior is arranged as three spacious naves divided by massive cylindrical columns. These supports hold up pointed arches and intricate ribbed vaults, creating a sense of upward movement and filling the space with air. The portals are especially noteworthy. The southern one, known as the Puerta del Sol, is adorned with Gothic spires and early Plateresque elements. The western portal, or Puerta del Perdon, is crowned with a figure of Apostle Bartholomew, the church’s patron saint.
Inside, visitors are greeted by a true collection of works of art. The main altar, completed in 1619, is a lavish Baroque masterpiece featuring an image of Saint Bartholomew at its center. Numerous side chapels, dedicated to various saints, were funded by the city’s noble families and reflect their wealth and devotion. However, the chief relic is considered to be the choir, located in the central nave. Its wooden stalls, carved with historical scenes, are recognized as the oldest in Spain. Remarkably, they were originally intended for the cathedral in Cuenca and were moved here only in 1757 by decision of the local chapter.
Outstanding masters of the Castilian Renaissance contributed to the creation of this architectural ensemble. Among them were the Flemish artists Annekyn of Brussels and Egas Cueman, as well as the Spanish genius Andrés de Vandelvira and the Frenchman Esteban Jamete. Their collaboration and the blending of various European schools bestowed this place with exceptional beauty and unique character. Every decorative element, each detail in the stone or wood carving, attests to the creators’ superb craftsmanship.
In 1943, the historical and artistic value of the church was officially recognized at the state level, and it was granted the status of National Monument. Interestingly, the honorary nickname of the main cathedral of La Mancha is shared with another collegiate church—San Benito Abad in the town of Yepes, in the province of Toledo. Visiting this site in Belmonte is not merely a sightseeing tour, but a true immersion into five centuries of Spanish history, faith, and art, preserved in stone and wood.
