Santuario de Cuadros

JV-3222,. 23537, Bedmar y Garcíez How to get

Already in the Relations of Felipe II, of 1575, the great devotion felt in the region for the Virgin of Cuadros, whose sanctuary, five kilometers from Bedmar, was built in 1615 is cited as a set with a medieval tower and a medieval mill.

Its external appearance is not very stylish but attractive due to its volumetric contrasts. Made of masonry, the doorway framed by a molded cornice opens with a semicircular arch on imposts with flat backs and spandrels. On its axis there is a tall belfry with two sections, the lower one with two semicircular arches and the upper one with one, a triangular pediment and small vases. It conserves another carved stone portal that belonged to the palace of the Marqués de la Cueva.

Its floor plan is rectangular and consists of a single nave covered with a false gypsum barrel vault, with false transverse arches that are supported by architrave pilasters. Both the nave and the presbytery - which is accessed by a lowered main arch and covered with a half-orange vault on pendentives - are decorated with geometric motifs and plant themes. The choir is situated at the foot and is supported by two columns with footings. The dressing room has a polygonal plan, it was built in the early 18th century and has undergone various reforms and modifications.

It is possible that the devotion to the Virgen de Cuadros dates back to the Middle Ages as corresponds to a region that was very active militarily in the Christian conquest and with a primarily agricultural activity. The relaunch of her cult was based on the model of popular religiosity promoted by the Council of Trent and on the ecclesiastical policy carried out in the province by Bishop Dávila. The importance of both processional and claim of pilgrimage of pilgrims of the Sanctuary of the Virgen de Cuadros exceeds its artistic and monumental value.