Mijas, Spain, Watercolour 15" x 11"

Here are some interesting facts about the San Sebastián Church in Mijas, Spain:

• The church was built in the 16th century in the Mudéjar architectural style, which mixes Islamic and Gothic elements. It is a national monument of Spain.
• Its most distinctive feature is its ornate Moorish-style bell tower, known as the Torre de Espantaperros or "Dog-Scaring Tower." The tower is cube-shaped and intricately decorated with azulejo tiles in white, blue and green.
• The church contains elaborate woodcarvings created by local craftsmen. The carvings display a mix of Christian, Moorish, and Mudéjar motifs.
• The church overlooks the village of Mijas, which clings to a steep hillside overlooking the Mediterranean coast. Its elevated location provides panoramic views of the coastline.
• A charming legend holds that when construction began on the church in 1541, local dogs barked and howled through the night, frightening the construction workers. The bell tower was built tall to scare the dogs away.
• Each year on January 20, the church's patron saint San Sebastián is honored with lively festivals and celebrations in Mijas.
• The church was declared a National Monument of Spain in 1979. It continues to be an icon of the village of Mijas and one of the most visited attractions in the area.