The Iglesia de San Roque or San Esteban in Yecla

The 14^th-century church is the oldest in Yecla and boasts a superb Mudéjar vaulted ceiling

This small church at the northern edge of the town is the oldest in Yecla, having been built in the mid-14^th century outside the defensive walls (it must be remembered that this was still frontier territory between the Christian and Moorish kingdoms of the Iberian Peninsula) after an outbreak of plague, as a gesture of gratitude to San Roque, who was believed to protect against disease and epidemics. San Roque was a 14^th-cenetury pilgrim who travelled to Rome and then extensively around Italy curing the sick.

The façade is distinctly modest but the main feature of the interior is without doubt the magnificent wooden vaulted ceiling, which was installed in the Mudéjar style in the early 16^th century.

The Iglesia de San Roque or San Esteban in Yecla

Address: Calle San Roque, nº 4, 30510 Yecla (Murcia) (click for map)

Mass times: Sunday and religious holidays at 9.00 (the church opens to the public half an hour before Mass is held).

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