Church of the Oath of San Rafael

Córdoba was struck by a fierce plague epidemic in the year 1274. At the time, Bishop Don Pascual was in office, and he built a hospital and a cemetery for those affected, located in what is now Plaza del Triunfo, the site of the monumental Triumph of San Rafael by Verdiguier.

Origin of the Cult of San Rafael in Córdoba

The first appearance of the Archangel San Rafael was to Friar Simón de Sousa, then Commander of the Convent of La Merced: “… You shall tell Bishop Don Pascual that God is very pleased with his vigilance and care, that through his prayers and those of others, and through the intercession of His Holy Mother, He has had compassion on this town; that he should place my image at the top of the Cathedral Church tower and encourage all parishioners to be devoted to me and celebrate my feast every year…“.

A second time, San Rafael appeared to Simón de Sousa, who relayed it to the bishop, and the bishop ordered an effigy of the Archangel to be placed at the top of the Church of San Pedro’s tower. A priest, Andrés de Roelas, popularly known as “El Padre Roelas“, saw several apparitions, the last in the year 1578, the famous apparition of the oath: “I swear to you by Jesus Christ Crucified, that I am Rafael, whom God has appointed as the guardian of this city“. This oath appears on the plaques of all images of the Archangel in the city.

Thus was born the cult of San Rafael in our city. The Bishop and the Cathedral Chapter traveled to Rome to request a special day of prayer, which was granted as May 7th, the date of the last apparition. Numerous celebrations took place in the city to commemorate the decision made in Rome, including a bullfight held in the Plaza de la Corredera.

The Hermitage and the Present Church

In the year 1652, Councilman Don José Valdecañas proposed that the house where Father Roelas had lived be dedicated to God, also requesting that the property be registered in the name of the council itself. That was when the Brotherhood of San Rafael was founded, with its statutes approved in 1655. Several years passed until the hermitage was built in 1735.

Shortly after the hermitage was consecrated and blessed, the brotherhood realized that the size of the temple was too small and decided to raise funds to build a church in the same location. A total of 61,148 reales was collected, enough for Cordoban architect Vicente López Cardera to construct the current Church of the Oath of San Rafael between 1796 and 1806. Trained years earlier at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando, where a preference for neoclassicism prevailed, our architect was influenced by the works of Ventura Rodríguez and his disciples.

“I swear to you by Jesus Christ Crucified, that I am Rafael, whom God has appointed as the guardian of this city”

The Façade

The façade features a structure of three tiers and up to seven sections, alternating openings and walls, along with architectural orders. The first tier highlights three lintelled openings, the side ones topped with triangular pediments, and above them stands a decorative frieze with triglyphs, clipei, and shields replacing the metopes.

The second tier has a similar layout, though the central opening now has a triangular pediment, and the sides are windows instead of entrances. The third tier contains only three sections and is crowned by a large triangular pediment, which in turn is topped by three sculptures: “San Acisclo” and “Santa Victoria” on either side, and “San Rafael” presiding over the ensemble.

On either side, separated by small balustrades, rise two three-tiered towers. The first two tiers are square-based, with the bells housed in the second, opening outward through semicircular arches. The third tier has an octagonal base, upon which rises a dome topped with a pinnacle.

The Church Interior

The interior of the Church of the Oath of San Rafael is highly original. It consists of three naves, the central one being wider and taller than the lateral ones, featuring a high choir and a gallery with balconies. The central nave forms a circle where the transept is usually located, with two large arches and a drum supporting the dome.

The side naves wrap around the central one within the circle, at the center of which stands the tabernacle housing the figure of Archangel San Rafael.

Visit the Church of the Oath of San Rafael

If you’re wondering what to visit in Córdoba, a great option would be one of our guided tours. Choosing quality tourism means choosing ArtenCórdoba.

Text: J.A.S.C.