The church was built over a former mosque, and the Torre Julia incorporates an ancient Roman column capital into its base structure.
The high altar retablo is considered one of the most important examples of Hispano-Flemish Gothic painting in Spain.
The church houses the tomb of Diego García de Paredes, a legendary 16th-century soldier known as the 'Samson of Extremadura'.
The Torre Julia serves as a functioning bell tower with a unique belfry design not commonly found in the region.
The Romanesque tower is the oldest surviving part of the church, dating back to the late 12th or early 13th century.
The coat of arms of the Pizarro family can be found on some of the funerary monuments within the church walls.
Santa María La Mayor is a 13th-century Romanesque-Gothic collegiate church situated within the fortified walls of Trujillo's old town. It is best known for its well-preserved Romanesque tower, the Torre Julia, which features a distinctive double-arched belfry. The interior houses an exceptional 15th-century Hispano-Flemish retablo featuring twenty-five paintings by Fernando Gallego and Bartolomé Bermejo. The building incorporates architectural elements from a previous mosque, including remnants of its original layout. It serves as the final resting place for several notable figures of the Spanish conquest of the Americas. The structure underwent significant modifications during the 16th century, contributing to its current diverse architectural character. The church is positioned at the highest point of the town’s historic medieval center.
The view of the tower from the adjacent courtyard path provides the best perspective of the original Romanesque stonework.
Climb the bell tower for an unobstructed panoramic view of the Trujillo castle and the surrounding plains.
Check the light settings for your camera, as the interior is intentionally kept dim to preserve the 15th-century panel paintings.
Walk the perimeter of the church to view the distinct transition between the Romanesque stone masonry and later Gothic additions.
Do not attempt to enter during scheduled religious services unless you are there for the liturgy.
Closed on Mondays; subject to temporary closure during private religious ceremonies or funerals.
Maintain a quiet volume; keep shoulders and knees covered as this is an active place of worship.
