Igreja de São Tiago — Attraction in Coimbra

he history of the church of Santiago began in the middle of the 10th century with the donation of its land to the Monastery of Lorvão. However, the consecration of the church only occurred in 1206. Its construction seems to have lasted for many years.

Throughout history, the church has undergone several changes. It even built a second church over the first in the 16th century. This was removed during the restoration in the early 20th century. Due to this, but also to the architectural originality of many of its parts, there is no consensus on the chronology of its structure. In any case, such interventions do not diminish the architectural richness that the church of Santiago possesses. It is an example of the Romanesque school of Coimbra. The church features traces of fortitude, sober decor, and small openings. Thus privileging the military-defensive character of its stone construction, as is typical of the Romanesque.

A prominent and peculiar work of the 12th-century Romanesque school of Coimbra is the southern portal. Note the geometric shapes that refer to the flora. These are the results of previous studies carried out in the Old Cathedral. This same style, but from a later period, can be identified in the main portal.

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Aunque en los documentos consta que esta iglesia fue consagrada en el año 1206, la tradición la remonta a la época de Fernando I, Rey de León, quien, tras recuperar Coímbra de los árabes en 1064, fundó una iglesia dedicada a Santiago Apóstol en este mismo lugar. La fecha de su reconstrucción fue probablemente en algún momento entre 1139 y 1183, durante la campaña de la Reconquista cristiana. Su aspecto imponente y robusto hace que la iglesia sea un buen ejemplo del estilo románico de la época.

El interior de la iglesia fue rediseñado en el siglo XVI, cuando se construyó una capilla de estilo gótico flamígero hacia el lado del Evangelio. Este es uno de los pocos ejemplos de este estilo arquitectónico que se puede encontrar en Coímbra.

En el siglo XVIII, las columnas que dividían la iglesia en tres naves se cubrieron con mampostería nueva, lo que le quitó su pureza original románica. El retablo del presbiterio es de la misma época, está decorado en estilo rococó con madera tallada y dorada de alta calidad y efectos de mármol.

Fue en esta iglesia que Dom Pedro, Duque de Coímbra, y el Conde de Avranches juraron no sobrevivir el uno al otro en la batalla que estaban por librar contra el sobrino de Dom Pedro, el Rey Dom Afonso V. De hecho, ambos murieron en el campo de batalla, cerca del río Alfarrobeira, el 20 de mayo de 1449.

En el exterior de la iglesia destacan sus portadas, que son el mejor ejemplo del estilo románico de Coímbra. Sus columnas, decoradas con interesantes motivos como tetrafolias y conchas de Santiago, terminan en capiteles adornados con figuras y quimeras típicas del...

---Português--- A Igreja de São Tiago, localizada na charmosa Praça do Comércio em Coimbra, é um exemplo notável da arquitetura românica do século XII. Com uma fachada simples e delicadamente ornamentada, ela reflete a austeridade e a espiritualidade de sua época. Ao entrar, o visitante é envolvido por uma atmosfera serena, ideal para momentos de oração, reflexão ou simplesmente contemplação. A luz que adentra pelas janelas contribui para criar um ambiente acolhedor e introspectivo.

Além de sua beleza arquitetônica, a igreja é um importante marco histórico, testemunhando séculos de fé e tradições. Para os amantes de história, espiritualidade ou arquitetura, a Igreja de São Tiago oferece uma experiência rica e memorável, sendo uma parada indispensável em qualquer visita a Coimbra.

---English--- The Church of São Tiago, located in the charming Praça do Comércio in Coimbra, is a remarkable example of 12th-century Romanesque architecture. With its simple yet delicately ornamented façade, it reflects the austerity and spirituality of its time. Upon entering, visitors are embraced by a serene atmosphere, perfect for moments of prayer, reflection, or simple contemplation. The light streaming through the windows enhances the welcoming and introspective ambiance.

In addition to its architectural beauty, the church is an important historical landmark, bearing witness to centuries of faith and tradition. For lovers of history, spirituality, or architecture, the Church of São Tiago offers a rich and memorable experience, making it an essential stop on any...