The Main Altar of the Church of San Pedro is located in the central apse, and it can be seen from all angles of the building. The central apse is polygonal and it is covered by a Gothic ribbed vault, thus the author had to adhere to the disposition of the medieval architecture, as is the case in many Fernandine Churches.

The altarpiece was made by sculptor Félix Morales Negrete, of whom we have little information. However, we know that the altar was commissioned in 1732, and its author died around 1740; therefore, the date of the work would be around those years.

The big altarpiece is made in wood, and later gilded. It has three parts and three vertical sections perfectly distinguished, where the side ones are displayed in chamfer to fit the disposition of the apse.

In the first part, we can highlight the use of the Solomon column decorated with flowery elements, dividing the space in three. The side ones have two canvases dedicated to the life of San Pedro: “San Pedro curando al paralítico” (Saint Peter healing the paralytic)and “San Pedro saliendo de la cárcel” (Saint Peter leaving the prison). In the centre, there is a trilobed arch with a polychrome sculpture of the “Virgen con el Niño” (Virgin with the Kid).

The second part is very similar to the former. However, the Solomon column is substituted by the estipite. In the centre we can see a sculpture made in polychrome wood of “San Antón” or “San Antonio el Ermitaño” (Saint Anthony the Hermit). It is a small work where the saint is represented in his mature years and with a pig at his feet, one of his most typical attributes, as he is the patron saint of animals and pig-keepers, among others. On the left-hand side, there is a sculpture of “Arcángel San Rafael“, standing and holding the cartouche where this oath is written: “I swear to Crucified Christ that I am Rafael…“. On his other hand, he is holding the fish, his most famous attribute.

The third and last part of the Main Altar is completely different to the previous ones. It adjusts to the apse forming a sort of semi-dome. At this point, the estipites are substituted by pilasters, and again they divide the space in three parts. On the sides, two pictorial tondos decorate the space, representing the “Santos Mártires” (Martyr Saints), whereas in the centre there is an altarpiece called “Inmaculada Concepción” (Immaculate Conception) and, over it, a white dove as a symbol of the “Espíritu Santo” (Holy Spirit).

The side walls of the central apse have different canvases, of which we can highlight an “Inmaculada Concepción” (Immaculate Conception) surrounded by baby angels. Its author is unknown and it is a correct composition, made following the taste of the time. Another canvas we can mention is “El Nacimiento de Cristo” (Christ’s Birth), also anonymous, which presents us a division between the Earthly and Celestial Worlds through a correct burst of glory.

If you are wondering what to do in Córdoba, we recommend you visit the Fernandine Churches hiring one of our guided tours. There we will dedicate a special chapter to the Main Altar of the Church of San Pedro. Choose to do high quality sightseeing with qualified staff. Do not hesitate, ArtenCórdoba is the best option.

Text: J.A.S.C.