Description of the attraction
The façade of the Santiago Church faces Praça do Commercio (Commerce Square). Also not far from the church is the Old Cathedral of Coimbra. The church was consecrated in honor of the holy Apostle James (Santiago).
Presumably, the church was built in the XII century, although there is still controversy over the exact date of the construction of this temple. Until now, the church has undergone several reconstructions. There is a legend that the church was founded in the 11th century by the king of León, Fernando I, after he defeated the Muslims and liberated the city of Coimbra. The church was consecrated in 1206.
The façade 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.
One of the earlier reconstructions of the church took place in the 16th century, when a side chapel with a portal in the Gothic style was added to the building. The work carried out during this time significantly changed the appearance of the church, a second church, the Church of Mercy, was built. But a little later this church was demolished. In the 19th century, during the expansion of the street, part of the chapels of the temple was also demolished.
Santiago Church is listed as a National Monument in Portugal.
