Church of Santo Domingo de Silos

The Church of Santo Domingo de Silos was located in the Villa, very close to the wall that separated it from the Ajerquía, in the district that bore the same name, one of the thirteen founded by Fernando III the Saint. Today, it is situated in the central Plaza de la Compañía, between Reloj and Pompeyos streets.

Very few remains of the Church of Santo Domingo de Silos have survived; in fact, it is no longer a church, but the headquarters of the Provincial Historical Archive of Córdoba. In other words, its structure has come down to us, although heavily remodeled due to interventions carried out at the end of the 20th century to adapt the building to its new function. On the other hand, the Chapel of the Conception, annexed to the church, and the tower, which dates from the 18th century, are preserved.

Origins and Historical Evolution

Hardly any data is known about the construction of the church; it is known that in 1397 the Chapel of the Conception and the Brotherhood of Public Scribes were founded. Over the years, the building became surrounded by other significant religious constructions, such as the Church of El Salvador and Santo Domingo de Silos, built at the end of the 16th century, or the Church of the Santa Victoria School.

The district of Santo Domingo de Silos was founded shortly after the city was taken in 1236, but the construction of the church was delayed until the second half of the century, when several clerics were appointed to serve it. As in other cases, it is believed that a neighborhood mosque may have been used to conduct religious ceremonies until construction began.

Architectural Description

Preserved Remains of the Nave

Only the arcade arches of the nave of the church remain, although, as previously mentioned, they have been heavily restored due to the remodeling carried out in the 1980s. The arches are pointed, with hardly any molding, and have a thick arch ring. The pillars are quadrangular in section with angled shafts. It is also believed that the naves were covered with wooden ceilings, with the central one featuring a pair-and-knuckle structure.

The Baroque Tower

The tower of the church was built in 1762 and still stands today, although in a rather poor state of conservation. With a square plan and two levels, its decoration follows the principles of the plaque baroque style, widely spread in our city at the time. The lower level features two rectangular openings on each side, while the second-floor openings are topped with triangular pediments, all flanked by two pilasters connecting to the upper level. The second level has a semicircular opening on each side.

Chapel of the Conception

The Chapel of the Conception of the Church of Santo Domingo de Silos was completed in 1397, when Juan Pérez, juror and notary of the city council, founded the Brotherhood of Public Scribes within it. Its name derives from a small image of Our Lady of the Conception that it housed at the time.

Chronology and Historical Context

There has been much speculation about when the works may have begun, but the only confirmed date we have is 1397. Some believe the works took place in the second half of the 14th century, while others argue that, based on its architectural features, they must have started in the first half. From our point of view, the most reasonable hypothesis is that construction began in the early 14th century, since its stylistic traits are similar to those of other chapels built around the same time, such as the Chapel of Villaviciosa in the Church of San Lorenzo.

Architectural Description

With a rectangular plan, it is divided into two unequal spaces, covered by a Gothic ribbed vault with a spine, where the ribs rest on corbels decorated with vegetal and zoomorphic motifs attached to the walls. These walls are composed of ashlars arranged in stretcher and header fashion, though the layout is somewhat irregular. A total of five arches have come down to us, most of them unequal in proportion but of similar characteristics, that is, they feature an undecorated arch ring and a very thick soffit…

Lighting and Funerary Elements

It is believed that the original lighting came from an arrow slit and an oculus, while the tombs were housed in the arcosolia still visible today, although one would have been intended as an altar and another as an access point.

Artistic Assessment

Ultimately, this is a clear example of the architecture designed for this type of foundation during that time, where simplicity prevailed above all, even reaching crudeness or archaism.

Guided Tours and Heritage

If you would like to learn more about the Fernandine Churches, do not hesitate to book one of our guided tours. We will pay special attention to the Church of Santo Domingo de Silos. We are experts in the interpretation of Córdoba’s historical heritage. If you’ve chosen to go sightseeing in Córdoba, choose a quality option—choose ArtenCórdoba.

Text: J.A.S.C.