According to the historian Antonio Tapia Garrido the Church of Santa Maria was ordered to be built by the bishop of the Diocese of Almeria Don Rodrigo Mendia y Parga where it was inaugurated on May 3, 1671, although it was not until 1782 when Bishop Fray Anselmo Rodriguez definitely made it a parish church.

Its present floor plan is rectangular with a north-south orientation, but originally, following the custom dictated by the Catholic Church, its orientation was from east to west.

The sun’s rays entered the church at dawn to illuminate the tabernacle, where the faithful faced west during prayer with the priest in front of them, so the light illuminated the main altar when they were praying.

This church was built on the remains of an old mosque and part of our square could perfectly be the courtyard of the same, with its ablutions fountain, where its water could have been brought from the source of the Marchal ravine, as you can still see few remains of an old water conduction, which leads to our village.

The tower that we know today is newly built and dates from the 50’s, it must also be said that its current location is not the original, as the original tower was located within what is now the site of the Town Hall, possibly to the left of the main door.

This tower may have been an adaptation of the minaret of the mosque, and from this location the Purchena castle could be seen, serving as a watchtower in periods of conflict. Several photos are still preserved in which the original Christian tower can be seen.

It should not be overlooked that the church was built in honor of Santa Maria, but later changed its dedication to San Roque.

The elders say that there are tunnels running through the square that were once used to take refuge in times of conflict, as well as to supply water filtered from the mountains.