High Altarpiece

The altarpiece of the High Altar
has a very curious history.
In the past, inside churches
real candles were lit.
The altarpieces were made of wood.
When the wood touched the candles
would burn.
To prevent fires,
in the 18th century it was forbidden to build
wooden altarpieces in Spain.
That is why this altarpiece
is made of plaster.

The altarpiece of the High Altar
imitates marble and has
gilded details.

In the centre of the altarpiece
there is a small figure
of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception.
This image was made by
an anonymous sculptor
in the 17th century.