The Iglesia de San Francisco in Vélez-Málaga, closed to worship for just over a year, is to start celebrating Mass again as from Saturday February 23rd.
The church, owned by the Franciscan order, has been undergoing renovation work. The reopening of the church, however, is not an inauguration as there is still work to be completed and the chapels and convent sections will remain closed.
The main altarpiece has been restored and in the next few days, three bells which have been repaired and a fourth bell which has been bought new will be installed.
Work on the building began in May 2006 with a budget of €1.3 million to be funded equally by the Ministry of Culture and the Congregation of Franciscan Friars.