Iglesia de San Pablo

Iglesia de San Pablo is a large Gothic church on Calle General Mola, the main Dominican foundation in Palencia. The building was substantially rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries, and the Plateresque carved façade and interior altarpieces are excellent examples of late Gothic and early Renaissance work in Castile. The church is large and well-proportioned, with the somewhat severe Gothic austerity that characterizes Dominican architecture.

The church retains an active religious community and is used for regular masses. The interior is accessible during services and at certain other times. Worth seeking out for the quality of the architectural carving, which is of a standard rarely seen in buildings this far off the tourist circuit.

things to do sight architecture
A story
San Pablo was founded in 1219 by Santo Domingo de Guzmán himself, the founder of the Dominican Order, during one of his visits to Palencia. The current building dates largely from the 15th and 16th centuries, but the Dominican community here can trace continuous occupation back eight centuries to the founder's own time.