- The restoration of the 17th-century baroque retablo in Chelva’s parish church has been completed after 70 years.
- The original retablo was destroyed during the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936.
- the restoration project began in the 1950s,with major phases completed in 2013 adn 2024.
- The final phase was funded by local parishioners, cultural foundations, and associations committed to preserving Chelva’s heritage.
- A special Mass and blessing by the Archbishop of Valencia, Enrique Benavent, will celebrate the retablo’s completion on August 24th.
The historic Restoration of Chelva’s Baroque Retablo Finally Completed
After seven decades of dedication, the town of Chelva in Valencia has triumphantly concluded the painstaking restoration of the retablo (altar backdrop) in its historic Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles. This remarkable Baroque wooden altarpiece, originally destroyed during the early days of the Spanish Civil War, represents a monumental cultural and religious recovery for the community.
A Story of Resilience - From Destruction to Reconstruction
The original altar retablo was lost on August 2, 1936-ironically on the feast day of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles-amid the turbulent outbreak of the Civil War. It was a devastating loss not only for the parish but the entire community of Chelva, an emotional wound that would take decades to mend.
The restoration began in the 1950s, marking the first step when the lower tier of the altar was rebuilt. However,financial and logistical challenges slowed progress until the year 2000 when a new fundraising campaign gave fresh momentum to the project.
Phases of Restoration & Key Contributors
| Restoration Phase | Timeframe | Main Artist/Contributor | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Reconstruction | 1950s | Local Parish Support | First floor of retablo restored |
| Second Phase | 2000-2013 | Vicente Martínez | Installed and blessed by Cardinal Carlos Osoro (2013) |
| Final restoration | 2023-2024 | Arte Martínez (Guadalajara) | Fully completed and funded by local associations |
The second phase of restoration was carried out by the Valencian artist Vicente Martínez, whose work culminated in the retablo’s installation in July 2013. The then Archbishop of Valencia, Cardinal Carlos Osoro, blessed the work later that August. The final phase,completed this year by the restoration experts at Arte Martínez from Guadalajara,was supported primarily by the parish community,the María Antonia Clavel Foundation (a cultural and charitable association),and the Asociación Pro Retablo,wich has tirelessly raised funds thru raffles,lotteries,and local markets.
Artistic and Religious Importance of the Retablo
The reconstructed retablo faithfully reproduces the original Baroque style and is crafted from carefully chosen woods, including fir and Swedish red pine. Its centerpiece features the image of the Virgin of the Angels,the church’s patroness. Flanking her are grand statues of biblical figures aaron and Melchizedek,representing key Eucharistic symbolism.
Additional sculptural elements include:
- Lower reliefs of St. Peter and St. Paul, pillars of the Christian Church
- Upper carvings of the four Doctors of the Western Church: St. Jerome, St. Augustine, St. Ambrose, and St. Gregory the Great
- A symbolic depiction of the Holy Trinity crowning the altarpiece
Upcoming Blessing Ceremony & Community Celebration
The culmination of this long-awaited restoration will be celebrated in a solemn Mass on Sunday, August 24th, at 7 p.m. the Eucharist will be presided over by the Archbishop of Valencia, Monseñor Enrique Benavent, alongside several local priests.The Chelva parish choir and the village’s customary Rondalla ensemble will enrich the ceremony with their music, marking a joyful moment for faith, art, and community heritage.
Why This Restoration matters
the Chelva retablo restoration story is more than just a renovation of a religious artifact-it reflects:
- Community endurance: Seven decades of collective effort and fundraising by parishioners and local groups
- Cultural preservation: Returning an significant Baroque artwork to its rightful place
- Spiritual renewal: Reviving a sacred space and renewing faith expressions after historic violence
- Artistic excellence: Showcasing the talents of skilled restoration artisans and artists
For residents and visitors alike, the retablo serves as a vivid reminder of Chelva’s resilience and devotion.
Quick Facts about the chelva Retablo Restoration
| Original Destruction Date | August 2, 1936 |
|---|---|
| Restoration Start | 1950s |
| Major Completion Phases | 2013, 2024 |
| Primary woods Used | Fir and Swedish Red Pine |
| Main Patroness | Virgin of the Angels |
For more on this story, visit La Razón.