Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor

The current structure of the Parish Church of Santa María la Mayor, in Padul, is the result of numerous changes and extensions made over the centuries. Although these changes have significantly changed its original state, they have also increased its meaning and monumental art. It was probably built during the decade from 1530-1540, certainly before 1540 as in 1541 a tower was ordered to be built which stood right next to the church where the bells were situated. What had previously been a mosque became a church for Christian worship.

This building, constructed during the 16th-18th centuries, is home of two interesting altarpieces. That dedicated to San Francisco is worth special mention, it was created by the school of Pedro Machuca in the Renaissance style and it was probably created in the mid-16th century. Although modest, this altarpiece is a singular piece of its kind, since very few from this period have been preserved in the province of Granada.

In the interior we find the 12 Stages of the Cross which run through the streets of Padul on Good Friday. The Good Friday procession in Padul is extremely interesting, because instead of processions on several days during the week, here the only procession takes place on Friday. This is why the district is a favourite destination for many lovers of Easter, since they can see a full procession which lasts over 4 hours.

At the door of the church there are two crosses, one of which is popularly known as the Cross of the Burujones.

According to legend a woman broke the rule of the Catholic church regarding the prohibition of eating meat on Fridays in Lent. As she was coming out of this church on Good Friday, the cross swallowed her up. The woman was really frightened and started punching with fists and elbows to try to escape from inside the Cross. And that is why they say that this cross has these lumps.