San Pedro Church: Main Altar.

The Main Altar of the Church of San Pedro is located in the central apse of the head of the church and can be seen from almost every angle of the building. The central apse is polygonal and is covered by a Gothic ribbed vault, forcing the artist to adhere to the layout of medieval architecture, as is the case in many of the Fernandine Churches.

The altarpiece is the work of the sculptor Félix Morales Negrete, an artist about whom little is known. However, we do know that the altar was commissioned in 1732 and that the artist died around 1740, so the execution date would be within those years.

Of large dimensions, the altarpiece is made of wood later gilded. It consists of three tiers and three clearly defined sections, with the side ones being angled to adapt to the layout of the apse.

Description of the Altarpiece

First Tier

In the first tier, the use of the Solomonic column decorated with floral elements stands out, dividing the space into three parts. The sides are occupied by two paintings dedicated to the life of Saint Peter: Saint Peter Healing the Paralytic and Saint Peter Leaving Prison. In the center, a trilobed arch shelters a polychrome wooden sculpture of the Virgin and Child.

Second Tier

The second tier is designed similarly to the first; however, the Solomonic column is replaced by the estipite column. In the center, we find a polychrome wooden sculpture of Saint Anthony the Abbot or Saint Anthony the Hermit; small in size, he is depicted in middle age with a pig at his feet, one of his most characteristic attributes, as he is the patron saint of animals and swineherds, among others. On the left side, there is a sculpture of the Archangel Raphael, shown standing, holding a scroll that reads the oath: I swear to you by Christ Crucified that I am Raphael…, and in his other hand, he holds the fish, his most well-known attribute.

Third Tier

The third and final tier of the Main Altar is completely different from the previous ones, adapting to the apse and forming a kind of quarter-sphere vault. Now the estipite columns give way to pilasters, once again dividing the space into three parts. On the sides, two pictorial tondos representing the Holy Martyrs decorate the space, while in the center, the altarpiece is presided over by an Immaculate Conception and, above it, a white dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit.

Paintings of the Central Apse

The side walls of the central apse house several paintings, among which an Immaculate Conception surrounded by child angels stands out; of unknown authorship, it is a well-composed work, made in the style of its time. Another notable painting is The Nativity of Christ, also an anonymous work, which presents a division between the Earthly World and the Heavenly one through a well-executed burst of glory.

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 dedicate a special chapter to the Main Altar of the Church of San Pedro. Choose quality tourism with qualified professionals—don’t hesitate, ArtenCórdoba is the best option.

Text: J.A.S.C.