Since the beginning of the Reconquista, the nobility was incentivized to found churches and chapels as a way to secure their legacy and, in turn, contribute to the expansion of the Christian faith. During the 13th century, following the conquest of Muslim territories, the construction of temples began to proliferate, as it was a symbol of Christianity's victory over Islam. The nobles, upon settling in these new lands, became the primary patrons of local churches, seeking not only the salvation of their souls but also to consolidate their influence in the region.
Patronage was defined by the relationship between the benefactor and the religious institution. By erecting a church or chapel, nobles could obtain rights over the appointment of clergy, often ensuring that their relatives or allies held key positions in the ecclesiastical administration. This phenomenon, known as "ecclesiastical benefice," not only strengthened the ties between the nobility and the church but also allowed aristocratic families to exert considerable control over local communities. Often, the noble who became a patron of a church ensured a place in collective memory through the construction of mausoleums or the endowment of masses in their honor.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, the situation became even more complicated with the arrival of the Counter-Reformation. The Catholic Church, concerned with regaining the control and influence lost in the wake of the rise of Protestantism, sought to strengthen its position, which further impacted the dynamics of patronage.