Church of St. Peter: The Building.

The layout of the Church of San Pedro features three naves, with the central one being wider and taller than the lateral ones. They are connected by pointed arches resting on large quadrangular-section pillars, with two columns and two attached pilasters on their faces, reflecting Romanesque tradition. The central nave is covered by a wooden coffered ceiling built with paired tie beams and knuckle joints.

The Apse and Chapels

The apse features a central polygonal apse, which is also polygonal on the outside and reinforced with buttresses. Flanking this apse are two lateral ones, rectangular on the outside and semicircular on the inside. This solution, with a marked archaic character, can also be seen in other churches such as the Church of San Pablo. The access arches are also pointed, molded with alternating hollows and rounded moldings, while the central one is decorated with zigzag and diamond-point patterns.

The vault of the central apse, a Gothic ribbed vault, would have been completed in the 14th century, as the use of the ridge rib, influenced by Burgos, became widespread in our city at that time. On the other hand, the infill panels are more pointed than those of the lateral apses, and even the moldings of the ribs are thinner; this again suggests that the construction date was later.

Side Portals

The side portals of the Church of San Pedro feature a pointed arch over stepped jambs, creating a slight splaying. In both cases, a small tiled canopy rises above them, supported by corbels with rolls divided in two by a smooth band.

Main Façade

As previously mentioned, the façade does not belong to the building’s initial stage, as it was designed by Hernán Ruiz II the Younger around 1542. Nevertheless, we can observe elements frequently used by this Cordoban architect in many of his works, such as the Serliana that crowns the portal in this case, and which can also be seen in the Bell Tower of the Mosque-Cathedral.

The façade of the Church of San Pedro is framed by two large buttresses decorated with attached pilasters and various geometric elements, dividing it into three sections, with the central one being the most important, where the portal is located. The portal is structured in two tiers and three clearly defined vertical sections.

First Tier

The first tier, designed as a triumphal arch, features four fluted shaft columns with Corinthian capitals on large pedestals, supporting a continuous entablature decorated with circular motifs. Two empty niches are placed on the sides, placing full emphasis on the central semi-circular entrance, highlighted by a keystone decorated with a corbel.

Second Tier

The second tier features a Serliana — a central semicircular arch flanked by two lintelled elements. The central niche contains a sculpture of Saint Peter, holding the keys to the Earthly and Heavenly worlds. Two Corinthian columns and two pilasters support a continuous frieze decorated with garlands.

The portal is crowned by a large triangular pediment adorned with grotesques. Above it, an exceptional rose window, added during the latest restoration, echoes other rose windows from the Reconquista period, such as those of the churches of Santa Marina or San Miguel.

Belfry

The Church of San Pedro does not have a bell tower. Instead, on the Epistle side, it features a two-tier belfry decorated with plain pilasters and topped with a triangular pediment.

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

Text: J.A.S.C.