The Collegiate Church of San Sebastian is one of the most emblematic religious sites in the city. Its construction began in 1530 although 1692 was its most important since it was at this time that the school was transferred from Santa Maria to the Church of San Sebastian, which resulted in a significant transformation and improvement.
The primitive style of the collegiate church is Renaissance but, in a sense, not fixed. It comprises three parts. The lower part consists of paired columns with fluted shafts and crown-shaped capitals, a somewhat fantastic composition. The curved spandrels of the entrance arch are decorated with clips which enclose busts of St James and St Philip. The second part has balustrades and shallow niches with sculptures of St Peter, St Paul and St Sebastian. On the upper level we find the arms of Emperor Charles V, inserted in a double headed eagle. It is interesting to note the child Hercules and the representation of the Twilight and Night, which recline on both sides, perhaps an error of a stonemason.
The tower is very interesting, rising from the first body of stonework by Ignacio de Urzueta and continued from 1701 by the Antequeran builder Andres Burgueño. Later, in 1722 Nicola Mejias substituted the primitive spire for another which was destroyed in 1926 as a result of a fire. Two years after, the current spire was finished. A feature which has survived despite alterations is the Angelote, the name popularly given to the guardian angel which crowns the tower and serves as a weathervane.
The interior of San Sebastian presents three naves separated by pillars in cruciform plan and attached ionic half columns. Above these pillars rest semi-circular arches. The naves are covered with wooden armature, today hidden by plaster vaulting. In the centre of the nave we find the choir, with interesting ashlar, carved in wood, originating from the dismantled San Agustin convent, and two baroque organs.
In the nave of the Gospel, next to the door to the sacristy we find the tomb of Rodrigo de Narvaez, first mayor of the city.
The church of San Sebastian is the location for religious celebrations and forms part of the historic – artistic centre of the city.
Contact:
Address: Plaza San Sebastian, 6, Antequera, Malaga.
Phone: 952 84 11 58