La Asunción church in Cardenete: coffered ceiling and organ

Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

The church of La Asunción in Cardenete is a single-nave Gothic church with a polygonal east end, completed in 1554, a coffered timber ceiling with Mudéjar-inspired Plateresque mouldings, and a 17th-century tower and façade. It was declared a national historic-artistic monument in 1983. Its 18th-century Baroque organ, restored in 2013, is used for concerts.

A 16th-century church

The church of La Asunción in Cardenete is Gothic, with a single nave and an octagonal east end. Building began in the 16th century and was completed in 1554. The timber roof has coffers with Plateresque mouldings recalling Mudéjar coffered ceilings. The tower and façade date from the 17th century, with restrained decoration and Doric and Ionic columns. It has been a historic-artistic monument since 1983.

The organ

The Baroque organ, in a gilded and painted case, has more than 800 pipes. It was built in 1767 or installed in 1776; both dates are in circulation. During the Civil War it was dismantled and looted, but the case survived. It was restored in 2013 and is now played in concerts.

The matraca

During Holy Week, the matraca, a wooden clapper, sounds instead of the bells. It returned to the bell tower after restoration in 2025.

Plan your visit

Before you travel

Ask the town council when the church opens or whether there is a concert.

Combine with

Cardenete castle and the Museo Micológico.

Frequently asked questions

What is distinctive about the church?

The coffered ceiling with Plateresque mouldings, inspired by Mudéjar timber roofs, and the organ in a gilded and painted Baroque case, with more than 800 pipes.

When does the organ date from?

The municipal website gives two dates: built in 1767 or installed in 1776. It was looted and dismantled during the Civil War, although the case survived, and was restored in 2013 at the initiative of the Asociación Amigos de la Iglesia.

Where it is