15 QR Video English
Channel: TURISMO ALMADEN
Date: 2023-06-16

We welcome you to the Church of San Sebastián.
With an unknown construction date, there are records of its existence going back to the late 17th century, being one of the oldest of the locality.
It was Almadén’s parish church, originally under the patronage of Nuestra Señora de la Estrella, patron saint and protector of the town, until it was destroyed during the Peninsular War by French troops, where this function was then transferred to the chapel of Jesús Nazareno.
Originally, one could enter the parish through the Cerco de San Teodoro. However, further development of the mines’ exploitation had it moved to the opposite side of the entrance door. 
The church has been refurbished multiple times, the last of which came in 1970, where it was once again awarded the status of parish under the patronage of Saint Sebastian.
The similarities between the primitive church and what we can see today are limited. Its south facing doorway was triangular, with no bell-gable, and with the bell tower and possibly the altar on the opposite side. Nowadays, when looking from the mining park, we can see a greater profusion of bricks and less masonry in its façade. According to old plans and drawings, it had a single nave with important buttresses to give stability to its construction that could have been used as chapels.
In its 19th century reconstruction, the bell-gable was added to accommodate the four bells that we can see today, while also changing the entry to the temple from the western side to the eastern side.
Further reforms were carried out on the church in the 20th century, dividing it into two levels. The lower level is currently used to store the processional floats, while the upper level, once used as an economic dining hall and grain silo, is where one can better appreciate the church’s Latin cross plan.
It has a rectangular layout and circular chevet, built in masonry, with a brick string course and ashlars in the corners. Installed in its arms are the chapels of Santo Cristo de la Columna or de la Inmaculada Concepción.
Its main doorway stands out, having a rounded arch that is finished with a circular pediment. Inside we can find a curious spiral stairway built from holm oak wood. 
It is currently closed to worship.
We will now leave this place, but you can continue discovering more of Almadén’s stories by visiting the next point of interest.