Iglesia de San Bartolomé

The Iglesia de San Bartolomé dominates the skyline of Petrer's old town with a blue-tiled dome visible from much of the city, including from the battlements of the nearby castle. The current building replaced an earlier church on the same site: work began in 1779, and the neoclassical structure was blessed and opened for worship in 1783. Two towers flank the main façade, above which the coat of arms of the Count of Puñonrostro, who funded the project, is carved.

The floor plan is a Latin cross, combining a taller central nave with side chapels each covered by their own small dome, which lets in natural light at several points around the church; the main dome over the crossing rests in turn on a drum pierced with small windows. The main altar holds the image of the Virgen del Remedio, patroness of Petrer, venerated in a chapel of her own within the building.

The church stands beside the old Plaça de Dalt, the marketplace of the original settlement of Bitrir and the seed of present-day Petrer. The town hall also occasionally runs guided visits up the towers, giving a close look at the bells and clock along with an unusual view over the rooftops of the historic centre. The church stands a short walk from the Castillo de Petrer and the Museo Dámaso Navarro, so all three can be combined in a single walk.

To compare it with the oldest parish in neighbouring Elda, the Iglesia de Santa Ana offers a clear contrast in period and style. Since entry is free, this church is a regular stop on any route built around free things to do in the province.