Iglesia de la Encarnación

The Iglesia de la Encarnación is the main parish church of Marbella, on a small square at the upper edge of the old town, a few minutes' walk from the Plaza de los Naranjos. The Casco Antiguo, with its whitewashed houses and flower-filled lanes, climbs gently toward this square, where the white walls and bell tower of the church rise above the neighbouring roofs. The church dates from the seventeenth century, with building continuing into the next, and it stands on ground that had long been used for worship, in a town where Muslim and Christian religious buildings succeeded one another after the conquest of 1485.

The style is Andalusian Baroque with some echoes of the Renaissance, which is typical of parish churches built in the Málaga region in the early modern period. The façade is restrained, with a stone doorway and carved details, and the bell tower, with a clock and arched openings, is a landmark of the old quarter. The plan is simple, with a wide nave and side chapels, and a chancel at the end. The overall effect is of a solid, welcoming local church rather than a monumental one, and it fits comfortably into the small-scale townscape around it.

Inside, the decoration is mostly in the Baroque manner, with altarpieces carved in wood, gilded and painted, along with images of saints and the Virgin that are used in the processions of Holy Week. The church holds a large Baroque organ, which is one of the largest historic organs in this part of Spain and is sometimes used for concerts, and its tall case with carved pipes dominates the choir. The altarpieces and paintings give a good picture of local religious art from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The atmosphere is quiet and cool, a pleasant refuge from the heat outside.

The church is open for worship and for visits outside service times, and entry is generally free, though a small donation is welcome. Visitors should dress modestly and keep quiet during services. Opening times vary, so it is best to check locally. The square in front is a pleasant place to stop, with benches and a few cafes.

From the church, it is easy to continue through the old town. The Plaza de los Naranjos, with its orange trees and the Casa Consistorial, lies close by, along with the little Ermita de Santiago, and the Alameda Park is a short stroll away. Beaches and Puerto Banús are a short ride from the old town. The church suits visitors interested in local history and religious art, and it makes an easy stop on a walk through the old quarter.