The Architects of the Valencian Jesuit Foundations

• Main Author: David Miguel Navarro Catalán
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidad Politécnica de Valencia 2016-10-01
• Series: VLC Arquitectura
• Subjects: arquitectura jesuita; Valencia; Gaspar Alfonso; Diego Olcina; Gaspar Martínez
• Online Access: http://polipapers.upv.es/index.php/VLC/article/view/3664

The remarkable collection of buildings constructed by the Society of Jesus in the old Kingdom of Valencia was completed over the course of an extensive process that began in the 16th century. The purpose of this article is to examine the different historical phases of this process and reveal some previously unknown aspects with the aid of unpublished documentation. A great number of craftsmen took part in these works, including a group of architects who were members of the Society whose activity has been disregarded until now. The writings of Fathers Gaspar Alfonso and Diego Olcina on the construction of the Valencian foundations have added to our knowledge of new architects who were members of the Society in the ambit of the old Jesuit province of Aragón. The article also presents the activity of largely unknown craftsmen external to the order, especially Gaspar Martínez, who participated in the construction of numerous Society buildings.