Contemplate a tribute to a Spanish sculptor who created many religious works of art that adorn some of Seville's old churches.
Standing in front of the 17th-century Salvador Church on Plaza del Salvador in Seville’s historical center is the Monumento a Martínez Montañés. This seated bronze sculpture commemorates Martínez Montañés, a 16th- and 17th-century sculptor known for realistic religious statues in wood. Head to the square and contemplate the work of art before continuing on your sightseeing adventure.
This impressive statue was created in 1924 by Agustín Sánchez-Cid, a Seville native, and sits on top of a marble pedestal that features reliefs of angels. Look at the image in the statue's right hand, which is of one of his most famous sculpted works, La Cieguecita, also known as The Immaculate Conception. He created the sculpture around 1630, and it’s housed in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception in Seville Cathedral. It depicts the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus with a crown of 12 stars.
Leave the statue of Montañés and stay a while in the square to enjoy its other attractions. Look around the shops, take refreshments in one of the cafés then explore Salvador Church. This baroque temple from the 17th and 18th centuries is the second-largest church in the city after the cathedral. Inside is a rich collection of religious art including a sculpture of Jesus of the Passion, which was created by Martínez Montañés from 1610-1615. It is a mannerist style representation of Jesus Christ carrying the cross on the way to his crucifixion.
If you want to see more examples of the work of Martínez Montañés while you are in Seville, tour other churches where they are on display. Among them are elaborate altarpieces in the Church of the Annunciation, the Church of Santa Isabel and the Church of San Lorenzo.
Find the Monumento a Martínez Montañés in the historical center's Alfalfa neighborhood, a 6-minute walk north of Seville Cathedral. It is also within a short walking distance of a metro station and a garage where you can park for a fee.
