Church of Santiago: The Building.

The Church of Santiago features a floor plan with three naves, the central one being taller and wider than the side ones. The apse consists of three polygonal sections; the central one is expressed externally in the same shape and is reinforced with buttresses, while the lateral ones are straight, as can also be seen in the nearby Church of San Pedro.

The naves are connected by three large semicircular arches, supported by pilasters attached to pillars. Above the arches runs a cornice along the entire central nave, including the apse that closes it. Higher up, we find the characteristic reinforced wall, which contains three blind pointed arches that correspond to the previously mentioned semicircular arches. Inside, small light openings topped with semicircular arches illuminate the nave. The reinforced wall supports the wooden roof structure.

Interior space

Upon entering the Church of Santiago, one is struck by the clean lines and the predominant white color of the temple. It is not a large nave; in fact, the choir located at the foot takes up a considerable amount of space.

Evangelical Nave

The Evangelical Nave has an irregular floor plan, as its first two sections are narrower, mainly due to the presence of the old minaret. What remains of it today is the current bell gable, which is accessed via a spiral staircase. From the interior, a biforate window can be seen, consisting of two horseshoe arches supported by a small polygonal-section column.

Additionally, at the foot of this same nave, two original 13th-century capitals are preserved. The roof is covered with a sloped wooden ceiling resembling a single-pitched roof, replacing the original Gothic ribbed vaults.

Nave of the Epistle

The Nave of the Epistle does retain its ribbed vaults, although they have been heavily restored. From here, the current parish facilities extend, which will be discussed in the section regarding chapels and altars in this same section.

Apse of the Epistle

The Apse of the Epistle is the only one that retains its original appearance. It is covered by a Gothic ribbed vault with a spine and has the peculiarity that the only support used is the column, unlike other examples in the city. The use of the spine, with a strong Burgos tradition, decorated in a zigzag pattern, stands out, as well as the keystones of the arches adorned with various floral motifs.

Facades and Portals

The side façade is not medieval; it features a triple arcade leading to a kind of vestibule that houses the lintelled door, built in the 19th century, providing access to the temple’s interior. Over time, the Church of Santiago has witnessed how the neighborhood houses have moved closer and closer, to the point of making it seem like just another building on Calle Agustín Moreno.

The medieval portal, located on the extremely narrow Calle Ronquillo Briceño, can hardly be appreciated comfortably, as there isn’t enough viewing angle. Its similarity to the portal of the Church of San Miguel is striking, displaying a pointed arch with a molded archivolt and an extrados decorated with diamond points. Above the entrance opening rises a small eave supported by roll modillions.

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 Santiago. Choosing to do quality tourism means choosing ArtenCórdoba.

Text: J.A.S.C.