Church of Saint Francis Xavier (Caceres)
The Church of St. Francis Xavier, also known as the Church of the Precious Blood, is an 18th-century Jesuit temple of unmistakable Baroque style built thanks to the patronage of the wealthy Figueroa family. Its construction lasted almost 60 years and it was completed in 1755.
The work was carried out under the command of the famous architect Pedro Sánchez de Lobato with a classic design presenting a Latin cross plan, side chapels connected to each other with shortcuts and a transept closed by a dome crowned with a lantern.
An interesting detail is that the existing unevenness in the square where the temple was built helped to increase the sensation of the monumentality of the work, highlighting in particular the two square masonry towers present on the façade and topped by pyramidal-shaped spires.
The two towers are separated by a semicircular arch flanked by double columns that serve as a door. Above said door is a niche containing the image of St. Francis Xavier, all topped by a split pediment.
The interior of the temple is splendid with details of great Baroque value, especially the beautiful main altarpiece, occupied by an imposing 18th-century canvas with representations of St. Francis Xavier.
Although the church has been in the custody of the missionary fathers of the Precious Blood since 1899, it is currently a temple whose cult is in disuse and in whose crypt the Holy Week Interpretation Centre operates.
The work was carried out under the command of the famous architect Pedro Sánchez de Lobato with a classic design presenting a Latin cross plan, side chapels connected to each other with shortcuts and a transept closed by a dome crowned with a lantern.
An interesting detail is that the existing unevenness in the square where the temple was built helped to increase the sensation of the monumentality of the work, highlighting in particular the two square masonry towers present on the façade and topped by pyramidal-shaped spires.
The two towers are separated by a semicircular arch flanked by double columns that serve as a door. Above said door is a niche containing the image of St. Francis Xavier, all topped by a split pediment.
The interior of the temple is splendid with details of great Baroque value, especially the beautiful main altarpiece, occupied by an imposing 18th-century canvas with representations of St. Francis Xavier.
Although the church has been in the custody of the missionary fathers of the Precious Blood since 1899, it is currently a temple whose cult is in disuse and in whose crypt the Holy Week Interpretation Centre operates.
Location
What to see in Caceres
