Church of Saint James

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Coimbra > Almedina

Location

The Church of São Tiago stands in Praça do Comércio, in the heart of Almedina, one of the historic areas of Coimbra. Its position on a steep urban slope gives it a particular character, with the main facade accessible by a staircase that invites observation of its architectural ensemble. This monument is integrated into the urban fabric of the city, offering direct contact with its historical environment.

Memory and Past

This temple has its roots in constructions prior to the year 957, as revealed by historical documents that link its existence to the Monastery of Lorvão. The church observed today is, however, the result of a significant rebuilding that occurred between the late 12th and early 13th centuries, during the reign of D. Sancho I. Its formal consecration took place in 1206, solidifying its presence in the religious and cultural landscape of Coimbra.

Romanesque Expression

The Church of São Tiago is one of the purest and most imposing examples of Romanesque architecture in Coimbra, having been classified as a National Monument in 1910. Its robustness and rectangular plan with three naves are notable characteristics. On the exterior, its portals are of particular interest. The main portal, facing west, features four archivolts and columns profusely decorated with geometric spiral reliefs and vegetal motifs. The capitals reveal a rich variety of forms, from the plant world to animal representations, some echoing the decorative elements found in the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, such as the characteristic facing birds.

The south portal, in turn, exhibits a unique elegance and is possibly earlier, dating back to the late 12th century. Its several simple archivolts are framed by a vine-shaped molding, and the capitals and columns display delicate vegetal motifs, allowing for a detailed observation of the mastery of medieval artists.

A Look Inside

Inside, the church retains its original three-nave structure, emphasizing the solidity of its construction in exposed stonework. The wooden ceiling and cylindrical columns, which directly support the roofing, highlight the Romanesque simplicity and authenticity. A notable addition is the quadrangular chapel, built on the north side in the 15th century. This Gothic-style chapel is distinguished by its decorated alfiz, a relatively rare example of Flamboyant Gothic in the city of Coimbra.

More recently, the Church of São Tiago has been a place of continuous prayer for vocations, keeping its spiritual function alive.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt