Haven’t you heard about the church that seems to defy gravity? The Parroquia de San Antonio de las Huertas stands here. It is a testament to architectural innovation. Let’s uncover its story together.
The Parroquia de San Antonio de las Huertas is more than just a church. It embodies a fusion of traditional liturgical design and avant-garde structural engineering. Its story begins in the 18th century. A small parish dedicated to San Antonio de Padua stood here. It served the indigenous people who cultivated the surrounding orchards.
By 1920 some considered the original building architecturally insignificant. But a new vision emerged in 1956. Architects Félix Candela, Enrique de la Mora and Fernando López Carmona collaborated to create a modern masterpiece.
The construction of the Parroquia de San Antonio de las Huertas perfected Félix Candela’s architectural style. Candela previously designed the main hall of the stock exchange in 1955. The church uses a series of groin vaults to cover a large space. This space measures 16 by 48 meters. The vaults are only 4 cm thick. They transfer all compression towards the corners.
Step inside the Parroquia de San Antonio de las Huertas. Notice how the light filters through the amber-toned stained glass. These were designed by Víctor Francisco Marco. The light bathes the interior in a warm glow. Murals by Elvira Gascón adorn the walls. Painted in 1964 they depict the life of San Antonio de Padua in six sections.
The design of the Parroquia de San Antonio de las Huertas features three separate hyperbolic paraboloid vaults. These vaults cover the nave. Narrow segments of parabolic vaults run between the main vaults. These create open spaces for indirect light to enter. The separations are covered with higher cylindrical arches. A light triangular structure connects these to the vaults. Amber-toned glass openings are fitted to this structure.
Originally, the 1956 design included a front stained glass window. This element was unfortunately never realized. A photograph from 1994 shows an umbrella at the entrance. This matched the initial design. However, it no longer exists.
The Parroquia de San Antonio de las Huertas stands as a remarkable example of modern religious architecture. It combines artistic vision with structural ingenuity. The church uses light and form to create a sacred space. Its innovative design continues to inspire awe and reverence.