In the most hidden corners and spaces of the city, I have found small but great treasures, as I always say, and this treasure is one of the most important wonders I have found. That is why I enjoy exploring the city and visiting the narrowest, most solitary streets, where ordinary people and tourists do not go.
I often walk around the city and enjoy discovering new streets, as the historic centre is very much like a large labyrinth, with many streets leading to dead ends, forcing me to retrace my steps. It is a large labyrinth that often, if not almost always, surprises me with its beauty, history, art and light.
Walking down a very narrow street, I saw something in the distance that looked like ruins, or rather a place with stones, like an area where a building had been demolished, along with some plants that were there. What I never suspected was that at the end of that street I would find this small church, although I didn't realise how small it was until I went inside.
The exterior and façade are very beautiful, and it was clear that the building was relatively modern. I later learned that this church, also known as an oratory, dates back to 2008. It is called the Oratory of Saint Mary Queen and Mother. From the outside, you can see the yellow and red colours that I have also seen in many other churches, a beautiful bell tower and the structure of the building with a single nave.
As soon as the doors opened, I waited a few moments and, noticing that they had opened to the public, I decided to go in. I had the feeling that they had opened the doors for me, but I think it was just a coincidence... well, I don't believe in that, I think I was meant to be there to see it from the inside.
Although the exterior is simple but beautiful, I always like the towers, when I entered I was so surprised to see the magnitude of its splendour that I couldn't believe my eyes. Because although the church is small and the altar was very close to me, when I looked up at the ceiling it was like being in Italy. You'll see why.
This mural was the first thing I saw when I entered the church. It was just below the door and at a height where I could appreciate the details very well. I thought it was a beautiful presentation.
I could see that there were people inside the church, but they were not there as tourists; they were doing something.
Then I saw the ceiling of the church. I can assure you that I have never seen anything so beautiful. It was perfect, too perfect. Admire it with your own eyes. You can enlarge the image and see every detail. I tried to take photographs from different positions and angles, feeling that if I didn't, I would miss something. I wanted to capture everything.
Then I saw the white walls with delicate decorations and huge oil paintings on them, with beautiful scenes.
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I admired them in general, but then I had to look at and contemplate each one in particular. It was clear that they had been painted by the same person who painted the ceiling.
There were also some sculptures, but on this occasion the paintings and the ceiling took centre stage. Amazing.
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On the way to the altar, I looked at everything without missing a single detail and, as I said, although the church is small, everything was wonderful.
The altar area is characterised by the use of red marble, which is really beautiful, and in this case, although everything is very simple, the surroundings make it look magnificent.
When I was taking photographs, a man who was there approached me. He was in charge of the area where they sell souvenirs and local items, I suppose especially for tourists, and he began to tell me the history of the church, but particularly about the paintings.
I love it when there is someone there who can explain these works of art so that you can enjoy what you are seeing even more. He told me that the painter of the oil paintings and the ceiling was the same person, which I suspected, and that it had taken him four years to complete the entire work. He began four years before the church opened its doors.
He also told me that he did it using scaffolding and oil paints and that because of the paintings he created, this church is called the Sistine Chapel of Malaga, but it is hidden away and not very well known. The painter's name is Raúl Berzosa Fernández, and he was the same person who painted works for the Vatican during Pope Francis' pontificate on the occasion of his 80th birthday, but he had previously been called upon by the Vatican.
He is a well-known painter in Malaga, considered the best in this type of religious painting. If you would like to read more about this painter, here is some more information.
I was honestly so delighted with what I saw that I couldn't believe it, how such a remote place, practically an alleyway, could be so beautiful. I hope many more people discover this place, because it is absolutely worth it.
Thank you very much for joining me today, best regards. See you soon.
Amonet.
