Sacra Capilla del Salvador

On 2 February 1535 Pope Paul III issued a papal bull authorizing the construction of a half church-half pantheon, today known as the Sacra Capilla del Salvador del Mundo, or the Sacred Chapel of the Saviour of the World, for Don Francisco de los Cobos y Molina, born in Ubeda and the Secretary of State of Emperor Charles V. Cobos was an arrogant man, but was trusted by the king, whom he had served many times occupying various positions.

For the construction of the building, Cobos acquired some plots of land from Hospital de San Salvador, the St Saviour Hospital. Works started in 1536, following a project by Diego de Siloe (1495-1563), under the supervision of Don Andres de Vandelvira (1509-1575), who was involved in the execution of the lateral portals and the sacristy. Siloe left the work unfinished in 1540, and was then replaced by Vandelvira, who completed the building in 1559.

The building is a reflection of the Humanist ideas that spread across Europe in the 16th century. Its decoration is based on Biblical allegories, the classical myths and popular elements of the time, praising Christ as Saviour of the World and of Don Francisco de los Cobos himself.

This church was once a symbol of power and is today one of the most significant monuments of the Spanish Renaissance. It is listed as a National Heritage Monument.