Church of Our Lady of the Snow, Calp

The Church of Our Lady of the Snow stands on Plaça de la Villa in the old town of Calp, just steps from the remains of the town's former walls. It serves as the main parish church of Calp and anchors the historic centre for anyone exploring the old quarter.

When was the church built?

Construction of the current building started in the 1970s, on a site once occupied by one of the town's defensive fortifications. Rather than replacing everything that came before, the new structure was designed to absorb a much older building into its footprint: the so-called Old Church, which today survives as a side chapel opening onto the main nave.

What is the story behind the older chapel?

That chapel dates back to the 14th century and is considered one of the few surviving examples of Mudejar Gothic architecture in the Valencian Community. It was raised over the remains of an even earlier chapel from the period of the Christian conquest of the area. From the start, the building served two purposes at once — religious worship and defence. During periods of attack, townspeople used it as a refuge, and its thick walls reflect that dual role.

What does the church look like today?

The modern section of the building favours plain, solid geometric forms that sit in deliberate contrast with the medieval chapel tucked inside. Inside, stained glass is the feature most visitors notice first, appearing both above the main entrance and set into the ceiling, where it scatters coloured light across the nave on sunny days.

What is depicted on the facade mosaic?

The most recognisable exterior feature is a large mosaic covering the church facade, unveiled on 22 October 1997. It brings together scenes and figures from both the Old and New Testaments, forming a visual narrative that is already visible from the square outside.

Has the building been damaged or restored recently?

Yes — in 1996, a fire broke out near the altar during the town's patron saint festivities, damaging part of the sanctuary. That incident directly triggered the most recent major restoration of the church, which gave the building its current appearance, including the facade mosaic completed the following year.

Why visit while touring Calp's old town?

For anyone walking the historic centre, the Church of Our Lady of the Snow is a natural stop: it brings together the town's medieval past and a modern sacred building in a single structure. Seeing the Mudejar Gothic chapel sitting alongside a contemporary main nave is unusual for the region and gives a clear sense of how layered Calp's history is, going back to the defensive fortifications that once stood on this exact spot.

The church sits among other landmarks of the old town, making it easy to combine a visit with a short walk through the surrounding streets and squares of the historic centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the church located? On Plaça de la Villa, in the historic centre of Calp, close to the remains of the old town walls.

What makes the "Old Church" different from the rest of the building? It is a 14th-century Mudejar Gothic chapel, absorbed as a side section into the much newer main nave built in the 1970s.

What does the facade mosaic show? Scenes from the Old and New Testaments; it was unveiled on 22 October 1997.

Was the church ever damaged? Yes, a 1996 fire during the patron saint festivities damaged part of the altar area, prompting the most recent full restoration.