San Bartolomé, Córdoba facts for kids

The Chapel of San Bartolomé in Córdoba, Spain.

The Chapel of San Bartolomé (in Spanish, Capilla de San Bartolomé) is a historic chapel in the old city center of Córdoba, Spain. It was built a very long time ago, between 1390 and 1410. The chapel is famous for its beautiful decorations and is one of the best examples of Mudéjar art in the city. Mudéjar is a special style of art that mixes Christian and Islamic designs.

A Look Back in Time

The chapel is located in a building that is now part of a university. Even though it's small, it's a very important historical site. It was built after big changes happened in the city's Alcázar Viejo neighborhood in 1391. A new church community, the parish of San Bartolomé, was formed, and this chapel was built to serve them.

For many years, it was used as the main church for the area. People might have been waiting for a bigger church to be built. The chapel has been carefully restored twice, once in 1953 and again in 2006, to make sure it stays in great condition for everyone to see.

What Does the Chapel Look Like?

The chapel has a simple rectangular shape and is made of large sandstone blocks. The building is divided into two parts: the chapel itself and a small courtyard. The main chapel area measures about 9 meters by 5 meters. The area near the altar, called the chancel, is a little higher than the rest of the floor.

There are two main doors. One door opens from the courtyard into the chapel. The other door is unusual because it seems to be locked from the outside. This door leads to a small side chapel that might have once connected to another room in a different building.

Amazing Decorations Inside

The real treasure of the chapel is its interior. The walls are covered in amazing decorations. You can see detailed plaster carvings, a technique known as yeseria, and colorful tiles. The floor is also covered in a pattern of alternating tiles.

The designs on the walls show a mix of plants, geometric shapes, and coats of arms. These coats of arms belonged to the Knights of the Band, a special group of knights created by King Alfonso XI. There are also writings on the walls in two different styles of Arabic script, called Kufic and Naskh. The ceiling is also special, with an elegant design of arched ribs that support it.

A Protected Treasure

Because of its beauty and historical importance, the Chapel of San Bartolomé was officially named a historic monument in 1931. This means it is protected so that people can continue to enjoy it for many years to come.

See also

In Spanish: Capilla de San Bartolomé (Córdoba) para niños