The church of Santiago (Coimbra)

domcrypto (51)in #travel • 7 years ago (edited)

Hello fellow Steemians!

I moseyed on over to Coimbra with my better half for a day out and to grab some Nutella pancakes. The "Nutelaria" as it is known is located on the "Praça de Comércio" in downtown Coimbra. While we were there we checked out the "Igreja de Santiago". Here are some of the pics I took of the place.

Not much is known about the early years of this place of worship, but documents have been found in the "Mosteiro do Lorvão" (Monastery of Lorvão) in Penacova showing the temple existed in the year 957.
Some scholars believe that there was a Roman temple on the site before it was converted into a christian place of worship, although there is not much evidence to prove this theory.

Front facade of the Igreja de Santiago

The building is styled with Romanesque art and architecture. Romanesque art is the characteristic art style of Europe from 1000 AD till the adoption of the Gothic style in the 12th to 13th centuries, Wikipedia states:

"basic features of Roman architectural style – most notably round-headed arches, but also barrel vaults, apses, and acanthus-leaf decoration"

Also characterized by robust walls and small slit like windows (the large windows seen in the photo are from later remodeling) as the churches of the time were suceptable to raiding due to the gold they contained, and thus, needed to be of a defensive nature.

Main entrance to the church

We can see said barrel vaults and acanthus-leaf decoration on the main entrance to the church. The pillars topped with weathered gargoyles that stare forth to ward away evil from the holy ground inside.
We tried to enter but the door was barred. Acess to the building is made through the side door.

Side entrance

The side entrance also showed remnants of the Romanesque architecture style. A man was sat on the steps playing an accordion but wasn't too happy about getting his picture taken.

The pillars in greater detail

As we moved inside the camera decided it was time to "play-up" and start taking really crappy photos. To add to the matter my beloved decided to turn hunger-monster on me as Nutella is much more appealing than old buildings! 😅

It seems that the church kept the ancient locking mechanism

The church underwent re-construction in the 13th century which granted the building larger windows and doorwaysas to let in light. The interior had its walls coverd with carved wood covered by gold leaf. Unfortunatley a fire destroyed most of the carvings but some pieces still remain. You can still see parts that are charred and most of the gold leaf has faded or been removed.

Remnants of what was the gold covered, carved wood that adorned the walls (notice the burnt angel at the top)

The church was re-modeled in the 18th century and cut in half to make way for the main street in the "baixa". the interior shows a mix of diferent styles ranging from the 10th century right up to modern day.

Interior of the church

Remnants of times gone by

these crosses were all over the walls too

Anyone know what this type of cross is called?

Another one

And last but not least the highly awaited Nutella covered waffle...

Monster wen't to sleep

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