The Mudejar Chapel of San Bartolome

In Cordoba we find an exquisite example of Mudejar architecture in what was during the 18th and 20th centuries Cardinal Salazar’s old hospital. But does this enclave play an important role in the city of Cordoba? Unfortunately not in the current time, but it is hoped that in the near future it will become one of the attractive spots of our city.

Therefore, if you are wondering what to visit in Cordoba, the Chapel of San Bartolome is a good option.  It assures to show you the knowledge of an art that has been left in the shade and from which you can discover the wonders of a lethargic past.

HISTORY

We must go back to the end of the 14th and beginning of the 15th century, specifically between 1399 and 1410, to place the construction of the building. It occured in a context of repopulation of the old quarter of the Alcázar Viejo after the abandonment of the Jewish quarter around 1391. Since then the enclosure exercised a parish function until the 17^th century. Also, given its long history, it is currently a magnificent living example of history.

As for the mistery of who the founder might be, researchers have given the name of Diego Fernández Abenconde, a Judeo-Christian appointed regent and emissary of the Crown of Castile. His trips to the Nazarene Kingdom of Granada may have influenced the construction of the chapel. This person was also a protégé of the Order of Santiago, which probably influenced the dedication of the chapel to the apostle as indicated on the cover with the placement of a shell. He was also named a member of the Order of the Band and received this position for his role as an ‘alfaqueque’ releasing Christian captives.

ARCHITECTURE

It has a flat and rectangular headboard where the presbytery stands out for being subtly raised from the rest of the room by a step. It has two entrances:

• An exterior portico formed by three large arches supported by carriage columns located in a courtyard. At the same time, it has a pointed arch portal decorated with simple moldings. The door that gives direct access to the chapel has the same layout but, in this case, is decorated with a zigzag pattern. It has two columns, one on each side, on corbels with scrolls and leaves. These denote the Islamic influence along with a row of modillions of scrolls that support the roof tiles.
• Entrance leading to a side chapel closed from the outside, suggesting the hypothesis that there was probably a sacristy.

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DECORATIVE PLAN

When we go inside, we can see that the layout of the doorway looks completely different. Its arch is topped by small peaks and framed by an alfiz decorated with plasterwork. On the one hand, there is a Mudejar decorative scheme that combines tiling and plasterwork, covering three quarters of the walls of the room with a decoration of this type:

• Geometrical where the latticework with arabesque background and the tartessian stars stand out.
• Heraldry with coats of arms of the previously mentioned institution by Alfonso IX: the Order of the Band
• Vegetable
• Epigraphic with kufic and naskhi characters referring to the eternity of Allah.

Furthermore, covering the walls of the enclosure are wall paintings depicting the city’s patron saints, San Acisclo and Santa Victoria, in anachronistic clothing. On the other hand, it has a gothic scheme with covers decorated with plant motifs joined by a Gothic sawtooth spine and where the angle of the vaults is resolved with crosses.

CURIOSITIES

As a curious fact, we can point out that the flooring is from the late Middle Ages and was recovered in the works of Rafael de la Hoz in the 1950s. This allows us to talk about an element that has been preserved since the end of the 14^th century.

We can also highlight the fact that, in the Archaeological Museum, there are the remains of around thirty examples of tiles in the Nazarite technique with golden reflections that covered the step that leads to the altar and were found in 1935. Furthermore, thanks to its proximity, you wil also have the opportunity to enjoy the guided visits to the extraordinary Mosque-Cathedral of the city and  the guided tours to its Royal Alcazar of the Christian Monarch and its wonderful gardens. Moreover, if you visit the city during spring, you will be able to join our exclusive guided tours around the most beautiful and unique patios of Cordoba, all located in the heart of the historical center.

VISITS AND PRICE

The visiting hours from September 15th to June 14th are from 10:30 to 13:30 and from 15:30 to 18:30. From 15 June to 14 September it is closed on Sunday afternoons and Monday mornings. It costs between 1.50 euros from Monday to Friday and 2 euros on Saturdays and public holidays.

HOW TO GET THERE

The chapel is located in the building that houses the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters and can be accessed from there or from Averroes Street. To conclude, don’t hesitate to join our experts to accompany you around the city of Cordoba with guided visits such as the Free Walking Tour that we leave at your complete disposal. Enjoy every minute of your stay in this milenary city without missing a single detail!