Church of Santa Marina: The Building.

The layout of the Church of Santa Marina de Aguas Santas features three large naves, with the central one being wider and taller than the lateral ones. The apse consists of three polygonal chapels, which are similarly expressed on the exterior and reinforced by buttresses.

The naves of the Church of Santa Marina are connected by five pointed arches supported by large pillars, each flanked by two columns and two pilasters. Above the pointed arches rises the characteristic armored wall, which contains five blind semicircular arches. Inside, we can observe small lighting openings, covered by a semicircular arch, which in turn encloses a second polylobed arch, supported by small smooth-shafted columns.

This armored wall supports a wooden coffered ceiling, with paired beams and braces, decorated with fine and simple interlacing. The triumphal arch leading to the High Altar is adorned with a type of crochets, while the one giving access to the apse on the epistle side features alternating rolls and hollows. The two mentioned apses, as well as the section preceding each of them, are covered by Gothic ribbed vaults with keystones decorated with vegetal motifs.

Chapels and Vaults

The apse on the gospel side, formerly known as the Chapel of the Benavides, is covered by a barrel vault ending in a quarter-sphere dome, built in the mid-17th century and decorated with geometric elements typical of the era’s aesthetic.

Façades and Portals

The main façade is characterized by four large buttresses topped with pinnacles that divide it into three sections, corresponding to the interior naves—hinting at what one will see inside. At the center is the main portal, which gives access to the foot of the central nave. It consists of an entrance opening with a pointed arch, whose archivolts are molded and supported by capitals decorated with vegetal and zoomorphic motifs, blending into a small continuous frieze that extends as a kind of prolongation of them.

The pointed arch is framed by an alfiz of Muslim inspiration, similar to the tiled eave supported by roll-shaped corbels. The rose window is not medieval but was created during one of the most recent restorations.

The portal on the epistle side follows the same design as the main portal, with the distinctive feature of displaying birds facing each other along the decorative frieze.

The portal on the gospel side dates from a later period than the other two, from the mid-14th century, and therefore shows more evolved stylistic features. It consists of a pointed arch, with the intrados decorated with sawtooth patterns and molded archivolts. The capitals are supported by slender columns and decorated with vegetal and zoomorphic motifs, merging, as in the main portal, with a continuous frieze that in this case extends to the base of the arch itself.

A tall and slender gable, ornamented along its edges with diamond points, covers the pointed arch and is flanked by two large buttresses. A small sculpture of Santa Marina stands at the front, located in a niche with a pointed arch that contains a polylobed arch.

The Tower

The tower was built by Hernán Ruiz II the Younger, and sponsored by Bishop Leopold of Austria in the mid-16th century, which is why his coat of arms can be seen on the upper section. Square in shape, the tower is divided into two sections, the first of which is sparsely decorated.

The second section is characterized by the use of three pilasters per side with Ionic capitals. Between them are semicircular openings with decorated keystones that house the bells. The top is crowned with a dome and lantern.

Visiting the Church of Santa Marina

If you’re wondering what to visit in Córdoba, a great option would be the Fernandine Churches, by choosing one of our guided tours. This way, you’ll learn everything about the Church of Santa Marina. Choosing quality tourism means choosing ArtenCórdoba.

Text: J.A.S.C.