La Iglesia De La Encarnación Incarnation Church, Almuñécar, Spain Editorial Photo

La Iglesia de la Encarnación, located in the town center of Almuñecar and behind the town hall ayuntamiento, was the first church in the Granada province built in the new style of the 17th Century incorporating elements of Baroque and Renaissance. Based on the architectural design of the famous Juan de Herrera, architect to Phillip II, the church was built by Ambrosio de Vico between 1570 and 1600. The church was built using materials from the old Arab mosque which was taken by the Christians during the reconquest in 1489. A graceful and elegant tower was later added, topped by a dramatic spire. It was designed by the famous Granada artist Diego de Siloé, who designed much of Granada`s grand cathedral. The patron saint of Almuñecar, la Virgen de la Antigua, is housed in La Iglesia de la Encarnación.