Parish Church of San José (Saint Joseph)

The Parish Church of San José was consecrated in 1712. This temple was under the tutelage of the Order of Calatrava, which administered it until well into the 19th century. This distinguished military and religious order, to which I myself belonged, left a deep mark on Abanilla, where it owned numerous properties and exercised great influence.

Before occupying its present location, the first construction of this church dates back to the 16th century and stood on the Lugar Alto, a hill from where majestic views of Abanilla can be enjoyed.

The structure of the current church is in the shape of a cross, with a marked Murcian Baroque style that is reflected both in its architecture and in the magnificent main altarpiece inside. In 2009, this building was declared an Bien de Interés Cultural (Cultural Interest Asset).

It is worth noting the presence of the symbol of the Calatrava Cross both on the façade of the building and in its interior, as a testimony to the presence of the Order in this place.

Next to the main altar, there is a chapel where a reliquary of incalculable spiritual value is kept: The Holy Cross, patron of the municipality.