Castilla y Leon Spain

How to visit the Benavente Chapel (Medina de Rioseco): schedules

Chapel of the Benavente in the church of Santa María in Medina de Rioseco
Chapel of the Benavente in the church of Santa María in Medina de Rioseco

One of the surprises that can bring you route through the province of Valladolid you have to look for it in Medina of Rioseco.

In this historic Valladolid town is where you will find a true hidden gem, the Benavente Chapel, which in its day Eugenio d+ Ors described her as Sistine Chapel of Castilian art.

To search for the Benavente Chapel you have to go to the church of Santa Maria, one of the main temples of the town that from an architectural point of view is a transition from Gothic to Renacimiento.

Benavente Chapel in Medina de Rioseco

La church of Santa María de Medina de Rioseco Construction began at the end of the 15th century, although externally you will recognize it by its baroque style tower.

When you enter its interior, you will see that it has three naves with star vaults, and the first thing that will catch your attention will be the beautiful organ built in 1732, as well as the large altarpiece of Juan de Juni.

It is in the left nave where you will discover the impressive Benavente Chapel, behind a huge and artistic fence.

Chapel of the Benavente in the church of Santa María in Medina de Rioseco
Chapel of the Benavente in the church of Santa María in Medina de Rioseco

This chapel was commissioned in 1544 by Alvaro de Benavente for the purpose of housing tombs.

Now when you enter it you are impressed by the enormous artistic wealth of its sculptural decoration made by various artists of the time, among which the three brothers stand out. Villalpando Corral.

Sculpted in plaster you can see various scenes of the Genesis or Final judgment, which, if you want to contemplate calmly, will take your time.

Lost in the face of so much beauty, it is hard to believe that until 2002 the Benavente Chapel It was completely tinted black, which was due to the fact that at the time of the French invasion it was used as a kitchen.

After its restoration, all the great chromatic richness it offers has been brought to light, which you can now enjoy.

Chapel of the Benavente in the church of Santa María in Medina de Rioseco
Chapel of the Benavente in the church of Santa María in Medina de Rioseco

Visiting times for the Benavente Chapel

The schedules to see the Benavente Chapel in the church of Santa María de Medina de Rioseco It varies depending on the time of year, being, in general, from 11 a.m. to 14 p.m. in the mornings, and from 16 p.m. to 19 p.m. in the afternoons.

Here you can consult in detail the schedules to visit the Benavente Chapel.

To visit it you can sign up for guided tours whose price is 3 euros, which you can find out about at the following telephone number: 640.942.866.

Photos Benavente Chapel

Finally, here's more photos of the church of Santa María as well as the Benavente Chapel, in Medina de Rioseco.

About the Author

José Luis Sarralde

Journalist and traveler throughout his life, José Luis Sarralde is the founder of Guías Viajar, where since 2008 he has been capturing his travel experiences around the world, specializing in cultural and scenic destinations in Spain and Europe.

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