Thank Goodness the Franciscan Convent of Benissa Was Not Turned Into a Hotel
Preserving the historical and architectural heritage of the Franciscan Convent in Benissa was a relief to many locals and history enthusiasts alike. Plans announced in 1917 to transform this storied convent into a hotel were met with mixed emotions, as the proposal risked altering the character of one of Benissa's most iconic landmarks. Instead, the convent remains a treasure of cultural and spiritual significance, even as its use evolves to accommodate modern realities.
Built in 1613, the Convent of the Puríssima Concepció (Convent of the Immaculate Conception) stands as a remarkable example of Renaissance architecture. Among its most striking features are the bell tower and cloister, both beautifully restored in 1992. The main façade is dominated by a grand arched doorway, framed by two plain Doric columns resting on pedestals. These columns support an entablature adorned with triglyphs and guttae, culminating in finials at either end—a sphere-and-pedestal design that reflects Herrerian architectural influence.
Above the entrance, a scallop-shell niche houses a statue of the Immaculate Conception, flanked by two elegant pilasters, further emphasizing the harmony and balance characteristic of Renaissance design. This combination of intricate detail and architectural symmetry highlights the convent's historical and artistic significance.
On the main body of the façade are several small windows, characteristic of defensive structures. Above them is a robust colonnade of semicircular arched windows, a hallmark of Renaissance architecture. These arches bring symmetry, proportion, and elegance, embodying the Renaissance focus on blending functionality with aesthetic refinement. The arched windows not only illuminate the interior with natural light but also enhance the structure’s visual appeal, creating a sense of balance and grandeur.
The convent's sturdy walls played a critical role in protecting against repeated attacks, particularly after the 1608 expulsion of the Moriscos, which led to increased threats from Barbary pirates. One of the most notable defensive elements still visible today is a machicolation, strategically positioned to defend one of the doors. However, the majority of the convent's original defensive features have been removed during subsequent renovations and adaptations over the centuries.
Inside, the church is a masterpiece of symmetry and design. Its single nave is divided into four sections with side chapels, covered by a barrel vault. At the transept, the vault transitions into a groin style. The 18th-century extension added a communion chapel with a Greek cross layout and a dome on pendentives. The high choir, positioned between the cloister stairs, also functions as the building's sole tower.
The cloister, a serene square space covered by semicircular arches, forms the heart of the convent. Within the church, an intricate altarpiece and 18th-century paintings depicting Franciscan saints and the “Franciscan Crown” adorn the interior, adding to its artistic and religious value.
The Franciscans have been an integral part of Benissa's history since they arrived on November 13, 1611. Just two years later, the convent was officially inaugurated on September 23, 1613. Over centuries, the Franciscans became deeply woven into the social and educational fabric of the town. They ran a seminary that later served as a secondary school until its closure in the late 1970s. The friars also taught in local schools, influencing generations of students.
Despite their vital role, the Franciscans faced a crisis of vocations. By 2017, only four friars remained, most of them elderly, making it impossible to maintain the expansive building. The convent closed its doors as a Franciscan residence in August of that year, marking the end of an era.
The convent's historical and cultural significance extends beyond its religious roots. It has long been a focal point for local traditions, such as the Corpus Christi festivities, which remain deeply ingrained in Benissa’s society. Today, while parts of the building have been adapted for alternative uses, the community ensures its preservation and accessibility for public and cultural events.
The preservation of the Convent of the Puríssima Concepció is a testament to Benissa's commitment to honoring its past while adapting to present needs. As the town continues to find ways to breathe new life into this historic site, it remains a cherished symbol of Benissa's identity, blending architectural splendor with centuries of history.