Cañete restores medieval Virgen de la Zarza sculpture

The Diputación de Cuenca has completed the restoration of the Virgen de la Zarza in Cañete, a medieval sculpture dating from the late 12th or early 13th century. The technical intervention focused on stabilizing the 16th-century polychromy while preserving the original remains of the nearly 900-year-old piece.

Historical studies suggest the iconography of the image is linked to the Christian conquest and repopulation period, potentially arriving from northern Spain alongside nobility during the Reconquista. This context aligns with other regional works, such as the Virgen de las Batallas in the Cuenca Cathedral.

The restored figure was officially presented in Cañete on August 28, attended by provincial heritage official Mayte Megía, local clergy, and municipal representatives. The piece is considered one of the few surviving examples of medieval sculpture in the province with such a high level of integrity.