Church of San Bartolomé (Logroño) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of San Bartolomé |
|
|---|---|
| Native name Spanish: Iglesia de San Bartolomé |
|
 |
|
| Location | Logroño, Spain |
| Official name: Iglesia de San Bartolomé | |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Monument |
| Designated | 1866 |
| Reference no. | RI-51-0000006 |
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
The Church of San Bartolomé (in Spanish: Iglesia de San Bartolomé) is the oldest church in Logroño, Spain. Its construction began in the 12th century. This means it has parts that show the old Romanesque style. You can see this style in the main part and the beginning of the tower.
Building continued into the 13th century, adding Gothic style elements. This is when the amazing arched entrance was built. It has Romanesque sculptures that tell stories from the life of Saint Bartholomew. They also show other scenes from the Bible. The church has been a protected historical site since 1866. It is also an important stop on the famous Way of St. James, which is a World Heritage Site. The church is about 612 kilometers (380 miles) from Santiago de Compostela.
Contents
Stories on the Entrance
The entrance of the church has 19 carved scenes. These carvings are like a comic strip from a long time ago. They tell stories about Saint Bartholomew.
Saint Bartholomew's Miracles
On the far right, the first scene shows Saint Bartholomew helping King Polemon's daughter. She was very sick, and the saint helped her get better. Another scene shows the saint in a painting. A group of young women are also shown, spreading Christian teachings in the king's court.
Battling Idols
In another carving, Saint Bartholomew is shown casting out a demon from pagan idols. This made some priests very angry. One part shows the priests, and another shows the idol Berith on a column. Saint Bartholomew is shown with a box, driving out the devil.
Facing the King
Further along, two carvings show a soldier leading Saint Bartholomew to King Astyages. There might have been more scenes on the far left. These might have been removed when the Monesterio Palace was built. One space is now empty.
Defeating Baldach
Other carvings show Saint Bartholomew defeating an idol named Baldach. King Astyages loved this idol. Because Saint Bartholomew defeated it, the king ordered him to be whipped. But the king felt this was not enough punishment.
Preaching and Sacrifice
The last two carvings show Saint Bartholomew preaching. He is shown holding his own skin over his shoulder. This represents his sacrifice.
Choir Window
In the 16th century, a stonemason named Pedro de Acha changed the choir area. He added a small window to let in more light. Because of this, the carving of Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) above the entrance was moved down. A new Renaissance arch was also added behind the choir during this time.
Church Design
The church has three main sections called naves. These are separated by pillars that have eight sides. The ceilings are covered with a special type of arch called a groin vault.
Romanesque Features
The crossing and apse (the rounded end of the church) are very old. They show the original Romanesque style. The church does not have a large altarpiece now. However, it once had a beautiful 18th-century altarpiece. It was painted in white and gold, similar to one in Calahorra.
Tower History
The church's tower has an interesting history. In 1521, the city of Logroño was under attack by the French army. The tower was hit by enemy cannons. This happened because it was close to the city's defensive walls. It also guarded an important gate called Herbentia, near the old town hall.
Years later, the tower was rebuilt using bricks. It was designed with Mudejar style influences from Aragón. This style mixes Christian and Islamic art. During the First Carlist War, an optical telegraph station was placed in the tower. This was part of a large network of signal towers across Spain in the 1840s and 1850s.
-
The Mudejar tower
-
The Tympanum above the porch
-
The Romanesque apse
Changes and Surroundings
In the 19th century, the church building was used for different purposes. It became a warehouse for wood and coal. Many of the artworks inside were removed, except for some carved stone Gothic coffins. It was also used as a military hospital, a park, or a workshop.
In the mid-19th century, some people even thought about tearing down the stone church. They wanted to build a theater where the bishop's palace used to be. Today, a food market stands in that spot.
Nearby Buildings
Several buildings were built next to the church, some even attached to it. Some of these buildings have been fixed up or taken down. Now, you can see part of the church's apse from the outside.
One of these buildings is the Palace of the Marquises of Monesterio. It was built in 1751. Over the years, it housed different groups, like the Catholic Circle of Workers and schools. It also served as a cinema. After being empty for some time, it has been renovated and is now used as an official government building.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de San Bartolomé (Logroño) para niños
