Permanent Exhibition of Sacred Art of Benabarre: Treasures of faith and history
The Permanent Exhibition of Sacred Art in Benabarre is one of the most significant cultural and heritage treasures of religious culture in Ribagorza . Located inside the Church of Santa María , this collection offers a unique journey through pieces spanning from the Middle Ages to the Modern Era, preserving and showcasing elements that form part of the town's historical identity.
Upon entering the church, visitors are immediately greeted by a small display room showcasing artifacts from the town's past. Among these are funerary stelae from the old castle church, as well as paintings depicting illustrious figures from Benabarre, dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. These initial pieces offer visitors a glimpse into the rich historical and artistic heritage of the town.
The centerpiece of the exhibition is the Gothic altarpiece of Saint Helena , dating from the beginning of the 14th century. This work, executed on panel, is one of the few examples of Gothic painting preserved in the area, and stands out for the delicacy of its details and its extraordinary polychromy.
The Romanesque sculpture section is represented by the Virgin of Linares , a polychrome carving made around 1100, from the monastery of the same name located near Benabarre. Although the original figure has undergone restorations—including the replacement of the Romanesque bench with a Gothic one—it remains an exceptional example of medieval Ribagorza art.
The collection is completed with valuable pieces of goldsmithing, the most notable being the reliquary of Saint Medard . Made in Italian workshops from embossed silver during the 16th century, this piece was intended to house the saint's relics and is a magnificent example of Renaissance silversmithing artistry.
This exhibition is not only a display of sacred art in Ribagorza , but also an opportunity to discover how faith, tradition and art have intertwined throughout the centuries, forming an essential part of the local heritage.
Useful information
- Address: Church Square (Church of Santa María)
- Population: Benabarre
- Opening calendar: During liturgical service hours.
- Phone: Consult with the parish or the Benabarre Tourism Office.
