Saint Mary Church of Alahambra, Granada

The Church of Saint Mary was started by architect Pedro Machuca, who had studied under Michelangelo in Italy. Pedro introduced Italian styles in his Palace of Charles V. The Palace was never quite finished but Saint Mary's was a success and promptly put to use.

The church is built over the site of the Great Mosque. It has a Latin cross floor plan with side chapels. It is known for its baroque altarpiece and old testament style columns.

Art in the church are the images of the Crucified Christ and Saint Ursula and Saint Susan. More impressive is the Virgin of Anguish, done by Ruiz del Peral created between 1750 and 1760.

Every Easter the Virgin appears in a procession, carried on a throne depicting the arches of the Court of the Lions embossed in silver.

The church was finished between 1581 and 1618 by architect Ambrosio de Vico. He followed the stylings, in a simplified way, of Juan de Orea, who had preceded him.