Description of the attraction
The foundations of the Church of San Nicola de la Villa, located in Cordoba, were laid back in the 13th century. Throughout its history, the appearance of the building has undergone changes, because at different times new elements were added to it and old ones were transformed. Thus, the external appearance of the building reflected the imprints of various architectural styles and trends. However, the main styles in which the building is sustained are Gothic and Mudejar. The architecture of the main entrance, designed in the 16th century by the architect Enran Ruiz, is influenced by the Renaissance and Mannerist styles. In the 17-18 centuries, the building of the temple underwent major changes, affecting the tower, the roof and some details of the facades due to the addition of certain baroque elements to it.
The church has three naves, separated by columns, which culminate in rectangular apses. The wooden ceiling of the central nave is in the Mudejar style. One of the walls of the nave is decorated with a magnificent fresco on the theme of the Prayer for the Chalice with the image of Christ kneeling in the center. The baptistery, decorated by Hernan Ruiz and Sebastian Peñarredond, deserves special attention. Its walls and dome are decorated with beautiful images of the symbols of the Old Testament and the Assumption of the Virgin, surrounded by angels. In front of the entrance there is a relief image of the Baptism of Christ. Equally interesting are the retablo skilfully executed by Jorge Mejia, as well as the magnificent communion bowl by jeweler Damian da Castro.
Built in 1496 by the architect Gonzalo Rodriguez, the church's bell tower is recognized as the most beautiful of all church towers in Cordoba.
