Welcome to Iglesia Mayor de la Encarnacion

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Information on The Iglesia Mayor de la Encarnacion

1. Overview

The Iglesia Mayor de la Encarnación, officially the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, is the principal historic church in Marbella and one of the most important buildings in the Old Town.

The church is believed to have been built on the site of Marbella's former main mosque following the Christian reconquest of the town. The present building was developed over the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, with a commemorative inscription dating part of the construction to 1618. 

The church is particularly impressive because of its scale. Inside, the basilica-style building has three naves, with a large central nave, vaulted ceilings and a substantial dome.

The main entrance, known as the Puerta del Sol, is particularly attractive, with its carved ochre-coloured stone façade in Rococo style dating from the second half of the 18th century. 

2. Location & Address

The church is located in the centre of Marbella Old Town, beside Plaza de la Iglesia.

Address:
Plaza de la Iglesia
29601 Marbella, Málaga, Spain 

It is approximately:

• 2 minutes' walk from Plaza de los Naranjos
• 5 minutes' walk from Marbella Old Town entrance
• 5 minutes' walk from Alameda Park

Its location makes it very easy to include when exploring the Old Town on foot.

3. Opening Times

The church is an active place of worship, so opening times can vary according to religious services and parish activities.

Current visitor hours:
Monday to Saturday: 9:00am – 2:00pm and 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Sunday: 9:00am – 1:00pm and 6:00pm – 9:00pm 

These times can change, particularly around religious celebrations and special services, so it is worth checking before visiting.

Visitors should remember that this is a working church and should be respectful when services are taking place.

4. What You'll Find Inside

The church is notable for:

• its large three-nave interior
• impressive vaulted ceilings
• central dome
• Baroque and Rococo architectural details
• ornate altars and chapels
• the main altar

One of the most interesting features is the Órgano del Sol Mayor, installed in 1975 and regarded by Marbella's tourism information as one of the most important organs built in Spain during the 20th century. 

The contrast between the relatively narrow streets outside and the enormous scale of the interior is particularly striking.

5. How to Get There

By car:
Driving directly to the church is not recommended because it is located within the narrow streets of the Old Town.

The best option is to park around the edges of the Old Town and walk.

By bus:
Local buses serve central Marbella, with stops around the town centre within walking distance.

On foot:
The church is extremely easy to reach while exploring Marbella Old Town.

From Plaza de los Naranjos, walk through the surrounding historic streets towards Plaza de la Iglesia. The church's large façade makes it difficult to miss.

It can easily be combined with the Old Town, Alameda, Avenida del Mar and Marbella's promenade.

6. Parking

There is no convenient parking directly outside the church because of its location within Marbella's historic centre.

However, there are plenty of parking options around the wider Old Town area.

Parque de la Represa is one useful option, with free parking around the park and an easy walk into the Old Town. There are also underground car parks closer to Avenida del Mar and the central shopping areas.

Have a look at our Marbella parking guide below for the different parking options, including locations, free parking and useful information about parking in Marbella.

7. Tips for Visiting

• Don't miss the church when walking around Marbella Old Town.
• Look at the Rococo stone entrance before going inside.
• Allow around 20–30 minutes for a visit.
• Look up at the vaulted ceilings and dome once inside.
• Don't forget to look behind you at the impressive organ.
• Visit Plaza de la Iglesia as well as the church itself.
• Check visiting times before making a special journey.
• Remember that this is an active place of worship.
• Dress respectfully when entering.
• Combine the church with Plaza de los Naranjos and the surrounding Old Town streets.
• Take time to explore the small streets around the church rather than simply heading straight back towards the main square.

8. Nearby Attractions

• Marbella Old Town
• Plaza de la Iglesia
• Plaza de los Naranjos
• Ermita de Santiago
• Marbella Castle
• Parque de la Represa

9. Overall Experience

The Iglesia Mayor de la Encarnación is one of those attractions that can easily be overlooked if you are concentrating on Marbella's restaurants, shops and picturesque streets. However, its size, architecture and history make it one of the most important buildings in the Old Town.

The church also tells part of Marbella's story, standing in an area that has been central to the town for centuries and reflecting the transformation of Marbella following the Christian reconquest. 

For visitors exploring the Old Town, it really is not to be missed. You don't need to make a separate trip to see it — simply include it as part of your walk through the historic streets.

Our tip: When exploring Marbella Old Town, make Plaza de la Iglesia and the Iglesia Mayor de la Encarnación one of your stops. Go inside if it is open, but even if you don't have time to visit the interior, the impressive façade and the surrounding square are well worth seeing. Then continue wandering through the narrow streets towards Plaza de los Naranjos — that's where you really start to appreciate the character of the Old Town.

Address. Pl. de la Iglesia, 29601 Marbella, Málaga, Spain

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