Description of the attraction
The Church of St. Bartholomew (Church of San Bartolomeu) is located in the area of the same name, which is part of the Coimbra district. The church stands on Rua dos Esteiros Street, in the city center, near the Commerce Square. The temple is considered one of the oldest buildings in the city of Coimbra.
The temple was built in the 10th century and is dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and is mentioned in the New Testament. During the entire existence of the temple, reconstruction work was carried out twice: in the XII century and in the XVIII century. The facade of the church is crowned with a portal and two towers with bells at the corners of the roof. The facade is also decorated with an oval-shaped barred window, which is a characteristic feature of the Baroque style.
Inside the church is single-nave, the walls are decorated with paintings painted by the famous Italian artist Pascal Parente. The chapel and the large altarpiece of the 18th century, made in the Baroque style of wood and marble and decorated with gilding, attract the eye. Above the image hangs a large painting depicting the suffering of St. Bartholomew, also painted by the Italian artist Pascal Parente. The 16th century altar is executed in the mannerism style and is decorated with paintings depicting scenes of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The church was originally built in the Romanesque style. The building that we see today is the result of the restoration work of the 18th century, when many baroque elements were introduced.
