Parish church built on the site of the old synagogue of Cabezuela del Valle.
Municipality
Cabezuela del Valle
Suggested visit time
Not available
Access
Mixed
The Church of Saint Michael the Archangel is the main parish church of Cabezuela del Valle. Its construction began in the 16th century and was completed in 1735, built on the site of a former Jewish synagogue that was donated by the Catholic Monarchs in 1494 after the expulsion of the Jewish community. The building is mainly constructed with granite masonry and reinforced with exterior buttresses. Inside, the church has a single nave divided into four sections covered by a barrel vault, with a dome above the presbytery. One of its most notable elements is the Baroque main altarpiece created between 1681 and 1683 by the artist Juan de Arenas, featuring Solomonic columns and a central image of Saint Michael the Archangel, topped by a Calvary scene. The church also includes two entrances known as the Portal Nuevo and Portal Viejo, which historically served as spaces for public gatherings and community meetings. The tower, of medieval origin, is one of the oldest surviving elements of the building.
Address
Calle Hernán Cortés, Cabezuela del Valle (Cáceres)
The church is located in the upper part of the urban center of Cabezuela del Valle, on Hernán Cortés street, atop a small hill visible from various points in the village. It is easily reachable on foot from the historic center by following the streets that climb toward the parish, and those arriving by vehicle can park in the designated areas of the town and complete the final stretch on foot.
La visita a la iglesia es posible durante todo el año, adaptándose a los horarios de culto y apertura establecidos para celebraciones religiosas y visitas turísticas. Son momentos especialmente interesantes la Semana Santa y las principales fiestas locales, cuando se celebran numerosas procesiones y actividades ligadas al templo.
BAJA
Resource access level
Take advantage of the visit to calmly explore the interior and admire the main altarpiece, the dome and the details of the granite construction, as well as the areas of the Portal Nuevo and the Portal Viejo. It is recommended to respect the religious character of the temple, remain silent during liturgical rites and dress appropriately, and to combine the visit with a walk through the historic center of Cabezuela del Valle.
Being located in the upper area of the town, some access streets have slopes and cobbled sections, so it is advisable to wear comfortable footwear and walk carefully, especially if the pavement is wet. Direct car access may be limited by the narrowness of the streets in the historic center and by the existence of restricted traffic areas, so it is recommended to get information and park in designated areas before approaching on foot.