Iglesia de San Francisco El Nuevo

The Church of San Francisco El Nuevo (formerly the Church of San José) is located in the Plaza del Altozano in Utrera. The church, sacristy and meeting room, were part of the convent school founded by the Jesuits in the town.

In 1767 with the expulsion of the Jesuits decreed by Charles III, the building was left abandoned for 30 years, until the Franciscans of Utrera were granted authorisation to settle here. The mixture of elements characteristic of both religious orders can be observed in the interior of the church.

The main doorway is located at the foot of the church, in the Calle Clemente de la Cuadra, with a clearly Baroque elevation, the prominent feature is the royal coat of arms of Charles IV, since all the assets belonging to the congregation after their expulsion passed on to the Crown. The side doorway, in the Plaza de Altozano, has a very simple elevation and was opened during the time of the Franciscans. The church has two naves, the Capilla del Sagrario (closed to worship) and the Main Chapel.

The Main Chapel features the Baroque altarpiece, conceived as a backdrop taken from a royal crown and supported up by several angels. The prominent feature of the chapel is the Virgen de los Dolores, to whom the congregation shows great devotion. The dome presents the Apotheosis of the Jesuits, attributed to the artist Espinal Juan from Seville.