Church of San Pedro: Altars and Chapels

As we can see from its name, this section is aimed at describing the different altars and chapels of the Church of San Pedro, as well as paintings, sculptures and other valuable pieces that must be highlighted.

In the Nave of the Gospel, located at the foot of the church, we can see the Chapel of Baptism, founded by the Cofradía del Santísimo Sacramento (Brotherhood of the Holy Sacrament) in the second half of the 17th century. It has a square floor and it is covered by a vault over pendentives, decorated with plasterwork by Francisco and Pedro Ruiz Paniagua. The entrance has a clear Classicist style, with a triangular pediment at the top. Sculptor Juan de Mesa, essential figure in the Baroque and Andalusian religious sculpture in the 17th century, was baptized in this room.

On the side of the Epistle we can highlight, first of all, the Altar of San José, a clear Neoclassical work, where a polychrome sculpture of “San José con el Niño Jesús” (Saint Joseph with Baby Jesus) stands out. At the front of the altar, there is a canvas, which is not very well preserved, representing “Martirio de San Bartolomé” (Saint Bartholomew’s Martyrdom).

The Chapel of the Martyr Saints is undoubtedly of great value, with the remains of the three first martyrs of our city: Marcial, Faustand Januario. The remains were already deposited in the primitive Mozarabic temple, and in the 18th century the chapel was built to place them permanently. The works started in 1742 following the plans of Diego de los Reyes, with a square space covered by a vault over pendentives. The entrance, flanked by two figures of archangels, thought to be have been made by Teodosio Sánchez Cañadas, consists of a round arch surrounded by a rich plasterwork decoration. The altarpiece, by Alonso Gómez de Sandoval around 1760, was made in wood and later gilded, and it is characterized by its great dynamism and effect, and it adapts perfectly to the disposition of the wall. In its centre, there is the urn containing the remains of the martyrs.

On the other hand, we should mention two large canvases, located on the side walls of the chapel. They are both framed by rich and crafted plasterwork. The first of them is the “Aparición de los cinco caballeros al Padre Roelas” (Appearance of the five knights before Father Roelas), a topic which is closely related to the figure of the Martyr Saints, as it represents the moment when Father Roelas is told about the convenience of giving them a resting place. The second one is a magnificent “Sagrada Cena” (Last Supper).

The next room is smaller than the previous one. It still preserves the Gothic ribbed vault, whose keystone is decorated with flowery motifs. A blinded window reminds us of the time when it was used as a chapel, connected to the Chapel of the Martyr Saints. A small metal stairway is the access to the primitive tower, which is not preserved. Through a small opening, we enter the Sacristy, by architect Juan de Ochoa. It is a rectangular space covered by two vaults over pendentives. It is a great restrained room, but with a unique beauty at the same time.

From the Apse of the Epistle we can highlight probably the painting with the highest quality in the church. It is a representation of “San Pedro“, by painter Valdés Leal from Seville. The saint is depicted sitting, looking at the sky, from which a light beam lights him, while he is holding the two keys, representing the Earthly and the Celestial Worlds. It was made in his youth, like “San Andrés” located in the Church of San Francisco and San Eulogio. However, the skill of the composition, the dark colours,… suggest later periods of his career.

The Apse of the Gospel has the images after which the Brotherhood of Mercifulness is named, whose procession takes place in the evening of Holy Wednesday. The “Santísimo Cristo de la Misericordia” (Holy Christ of Mercifullnes) is an anonymous work from the 16th century, whereas “Nuestra Señora de las Lágrimas en su Desamparo” (Our Lady of the Tears in her Helplessness) is anonymous from the 17th century. In our section dedicated to Holy Week in Córdoba you will find a complete description of both images.

If you wish to know the Fernandine Churches, do not hesitate to hire one of our guided tours. We will pay special attention to the Church of San Pedro. We are experts in the interpretation of the historical heritage from Córdoba. If you have chosen to do sightseeing in Córdoba, choose a high quality option, choose ArtenCórdoba.

Text: J.A.S.C.