Church of Santiago (Igreja de Santiago) description and photos - Portugal: Coimbra (Topic)

Church of Santiago (Igreja de Santiago) description and photos - Portugal: Coimbra. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Igreja de Santiago.

Photo and description

The facade of the Santiago Church faces Praca do Commercio (Commerce Square). Also not far from the church is the Old Cathedral of Coimbra. The church is consecrated in honor of the holy Apostle James (Santiago).

Presumably, the church was built in the XII century, although there are still disputes over the exact date of the construction of this temple. Until now, the church has gone through several reconstructions. There is a legend that the church was founded in the 11th century by the King of Leon, Fernando I, after he defeated the Muslims and liberated the city of Coimbra. The church was consecrated in 1206.

The facade of the temple is considered one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Portugal. The portal of the temple is formed by arches supported by columns with images of plants and animals. The portal is also decorated with four archivolts and capitals. Inside, the church has three naves, which are separated by square and round columns. Inside the church there are magnificent altarpieces of the 18th century, decorated with gilding, in the Rococo style. The 15th century St. Peter's Chapel is definitely worth a visit.

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Topic: Church of Santiago (Igreja de Santiago) description and photos - Portugal: Coimbra.