Church of San Nicolás de la Villa: The Building.

The Church of San Nicolás de la Villa features a floor plan with three naves arranged from west to east, with the central nave being wider and taller than the lateral ones, and a chancel composed of three rectangular chapels. This represents a significant difference from the general layout of the Fernandine Churches, where the polygonal apse with external buttresses is the predominant feature. The naves are connected by three large pointed arches, supported by cruciform pillars with reddish marble bases. The central nave is covered by a magnificent wooden coffered ceiling built in 1558, with a polygonal structure and octagonal decorations; in contrast, the lateral naves are covered by false Gothic groin vaults, which conceal the original wooden roofs.

Baptism Chapel

At the foot of the gospel nave is the entrance that leads to the interior of the tower, as well as the Baptism Chapel, a small rectangular space accessed through two semicircular arches. It is believed that the chapel may have been built between 1540 and 1555 by order of Don Leopoldo de Austria, as his coats of arms are found in the spandrels of the entrance arches. The design is attributed to Hernán Ruiz II the Younger, and the decoration to Sebastián de Peñarredonda. The nave ends with two small sections of Gothic ribbed vaults, as is also the case in the epistle nave.

Rooms and Interior Spaces

In the epistle nave are the church’s rooms, accessed through a door flanked by two Doric marble columns that support a beautifully crafted broken triangular pediment. The portal, of marked classical character, features high-quality reliefs, including representations of the Evangelists and the Annunciation of Mary. We will discuss these rooms further in the Altars and Chapels section, dedicated to the movable assets of this magnificent monument.

Facades and Portals

Main Façade

The main façade of the Church of San Nicolás de la Villa has not been preserved, as it was demolished in the 18th century to build the choir and open a window, which was later turned into a rose window. However, its tracery was also modified. It is believed to have followed the usual design of 13th-century churches, flanked by buttresses and a pointed entrance portal with moulded archivolts over small columns.

Portal on the Epistle Side

The portal on the epistle side still retains its medieval appearance, and as we can see, it follows the typical layout of the Fernandine Churches, with the peculiarity of being protected by a 16th-century portico that covers the remains of what was likely a projecting eave supported by roll corbels, a traditional feature in our city. It is believed that the portico may have originally been larger, occupying part of what is now the sacristy antechamber. Almost rectangular in plan, it is built with semicircular arches supported by smooth-shafted columns with reused capitals, possibly from the Caliphate period.

Portal on the Gospel Side

The portal on the gospel side no longer retains its medieval appearance and is believed to have been remodeled after the construction work on the tower. Architect Hernán Ruiz II the Younger was responsible for its design following the completion of the Baptism Chapel. The portal, in Plateresque style, is characterized by its great simplicity, with the most notable feature being the niche on the second level containing the image of the church’s patron saint.

The Tower

The tower was built in 1496, according to the inscription found at its base: This tower was built at the expense of this Church during the time of Pope Alexander VI, and of the most high Princes Don Ferdinand and Doña Isabel, at the time Granada was taken by them, being Bishop Don Iñigo Manrique. It was completed on the 13th of May, 1496, in praise of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is an original example in Córdoba, as a square base supports an octagonal section, which was later topped by a bell tower added in the 18th century.

Cultural Visit

If you’re wondering what to do in Córdoba, we recommend visiting the Fernandine Churches by booking one of our guided tours. There, we will dedicate a special chapter to the Church of San Nicolás de la Villa. Choose quality tourism with qualified staff—don’t hesitate, ArtenCórdoba is your best option.

Text: J.A.S.C.