The Scene of Blood

For the past few weeks, as also happened in Tarragona, the Royal Congregation of the Most Pure Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, better known as the Blood of Reus, has been experiencing turbulent times in Reus. From abandonments and missteps to resignations, delegated commissioners, keys and locks, leaflets, and construction work, this conflict has reached the headlines of media outlets throughout the country.

The setting and protagonist of some of these actions is the temple and headquarters of the organization: the Church of the Most Pure Blood. This church has been closed since the previous board resigned, first for fumigation and currently for renovations.

All of this is just a footnote in the long history of one of the oldest entities in Reus and its building. This church was not the first home of the Blood, as in its beginnings this function was fulfilled by the Priory of Sant Pere. It wasn't until 1577 that construction began on a small church outside the city walls, opposite the hospital, next to the Valls road, in what is now Plaça de la Sang. That small Renaissance chapel was rebuilt in the 17th century, and by the 18th century, it underwent a complete renovation, resulting in the current church. In less than 30 years—and it will soon be 300—Sang had a new home. And yes, we say home, because throughout its history the church housed more than just its faithful or congregants: it also served as the governing, meeting, storage, and prayer rooms for the organization. In the 19th century, Sang became one of the parish churches of Reus, increasing its public role and consolidating the public devotion to its patron saint. This status made it a target during revolts, riots, and wars. as was the case during the Civil War. Restored in the 1940s by the municipal architect of Reus, Antoni Sardà, and Cèsar Martinell, an architect from Valls, disciple of Gaudí, and expert in Catalan Baroque.

Its structure is quite simple, with a single nave—9.30 m high—and side chapels utilizing the buttresses, with a semicircular apse flanked by chapels on either side. The roof is gabled and has two levels in the main nave. The eight side chapels have single-pitched roofs. At the foot of the nave stands a heart-shaped structure. The roof structure is made of wooden beams supported by semicircular transverse arches 8.80 meters in diameter. The side chapels have ribbed vaults. The side chapels open onto the main nave through semicircular arches resting on pilasters.

The story of the Blood is also the story of a heritage that Reus has managed to preserve – despite wars, fires, tensions, and neglect. The current works are yet another opportunity to guarantee its future. Because, beyond any specific conflict, the church is a collective testament that deserves to remain alive, visited, and cherished by generations to come.