Church of Santo Domingo de Silos: Chapel of the Conception.
The Chapel of the Conception of the Church of Santo Domingo de Silos was completed in 1397, when Juan Pérez, juror and notary of the city council, founded within it the Brotherhood of Public Notaries. Its name derives from a small image of Our Lady of the Conception that it housed at the time.
Chronology and Historical Context
There has been much speculation about when the construction might have begun, but the only confirmed date we have is that of 1397. Some believe the works took place in the second half of the 14th century, while others, based on architectural features, argue for an earlier start in the first half. However, from our point of view, it seems most reasonable that the works began at the beginning of the century, since its stylistic features are similar to those of other chapels built around that time, such as the Chapel of Villaviciosa in the Church of San Lorenzo.
Architectural Description
Rectangular in plan, it is divided into two uneven spaces, covered by Gothic ribbed vaults with a ridge rib, where the ribs rest on corbels decorated with vegetal and zoomorphic motifs attached to the walls. These walls are made of ashlar stones arranged in a stretcher and header bond, although the layout is somewhat irregular. A total of five arches have survived, most of them differing in proportions but sharing similar characteristics—namely, they have plain arches with very thick intrados…
Lighting and Funerary Elements
It is believed that the chapel was originally illuminated through a narrow window (arrow slit) and an oculus, while the tombs would have been housed in the arcosolia still visible today, although one would have been intended as an altar and another as an access point.
Artistic Assessment
Ultimately, this is a clear example of the type of architecture created for such foundations at the time, where simplicity prevailed above all, even to the point of roughness or archaism.
Cultural Visit
If you’re wondering what to visit in Córdoba, a great option would be the Fernandine Churches, choosing one of our guided tours. This way, you can learn everything about the Church of Santo Domingo de Silos. Choosing quality tourism means choosing ArtenCórdoba.
Text: J.A.S.C.
The Chapel of the Conception is located in the Church of Santo Domingo de Silos and was completed in 1397. It was founded by Juan Pérez, a juror and scribe of the city council, who also established the Brotherhood of Public Scriveners in that same year.
The Chapel of the Conception was built during a period that has generated speculation about whether the works began in the second half of the 14th century or if they were advanced to the first half. The date of 1397 is the most documented, and its architectural style is comparable to that of other chapels of the time.
The Chapel has a rectangular layout divided into two unequal spaces, with a Gothic ribbed vault. The ribs of the vault rest on brackets decorated with vegetal and zoomorphic motifs. The walls are made of stones arranged irregularly, and the chapel has five arches with similar characteristics, although unequal in proportions.
It is believed that the chapel was originally lit through a slit and an oculus. Additionally, the chapel houses tombs within the niches, one designated for the altar and another for access, reinforcing its funerary function.
The Chapel of the Conception represents a clear example of the architecture of religious foundations from the late 14th century, characterized by its simplicity and, in some aspects, by the roughness or archaic nature of its architectural details.
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