Church of San Lorenzo: The Building.

The Church of San Lorenzo has a floor plan consisting of three parallel naves, with the central one being wider and taller than the lateral ones. The apse is made up of three chapels: the central one is polygonal, and the side ones are rectangular, all appearing the same on the exterior, with the central apse reinforced by buttresses.

The different naves are connected by four pointed arches resting on cruciform pillars, which have attached columns with capitals decorated with floral motifs, as well as plain pilasters from which semicircular arches spring along the supporting wall that holds the current wooden roof. Only one original capital is preserved, located at the foot of the epistle nave; however, it is common to see small “little men” figures supporting the ribs of the vaults, as well as monstrous heads.

The triumphal arch, which provides access to the Main Altar, features cruciform pillars with angled supports and a decorative band acting as a capital. Next is the typical angled pillar, while the arches giving access to the chapels are supported by reused columns with rings.

Church floor plan and roofing

The three apses of the Church of San Lorenzo are covered with Gothic ribbed vaults, with the ridge showing Burgos influence in the central apse and in the one on the gospel side. The ribs are replaced by a pointed molding crossing at decorative keystones, generally with floral motifs. The outward thrust of the vaults is counteracted by exterior buttresses, which are topped with waterspouts.

In contrast to the use of stone in the apse area, the use of wood stands out in the roofing of the naves: the central one is covered by a pair and knuckle roof with paired tie beams, and the lateral ones by lean-to roofs, the result of one of the most recent restorations.

The exterior of the church

On the exterior, a 14th-century portico stands out, consisting of a triple arcade that leads to the entrance at the foot of the church. This is a pointed, recessed archway, with its intrados decorated in a zigzag pattern and molded moldings, all supported by small columns adorned with a vegetal band. Above the portal is the characteristic eaves supported by roll corbels. The rose window, one of the three that have survived from the medieval period, is made up of a network of pointed arches on smooth-shaft columns. Another rose window, smaller in size, is preserved on the epistle side.

The side portals follow the same design, with a pointed arch on stepped jambs and very little decoration. Above them rises an eaves supported by roll corbels decorated with plain ribbons.

The Tower of San Lorenzo

The tower is of special interest, the work of Hernán Ruiz II the Younger, completed around 1555. It is made up of three sections, the first starting from the access portico at the foot of the gospel side. The second section begins at a cornice supported by corbels, followed by a small balustrade; square in shape, it has two semicircular openings on each face, where the bells are located. This section features Ionic capitals on pilasters attached to the wall, unlike the third section, where Tuscan order capitals are used. This final section is rotated in relation to the previous one, so that its corners align with the centers of the sides of the lower section, giving the structure great uniqueness and visual appeal. The tower is topped with a circular lantern, from which a statue of San Lorenzo emerges.

Visiting the Church of San Lorenzo

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’ll learn everything about the Church of San Lorenzo. Choosing quality tourism means choosing ArtenCórdoba.

Text: J.A.S.C.