La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés.
As I continue to make the rounds of the 12 Fernandine churches in the city center, the 13th- and 14th-century churches King Ferdinand III ordered to be built after the Christian reconquest of Córdoba, I’d like to share the Church of San Pablo which stands opposite City Hall. The location has always been a prime spot in the city center. It was home to a Roman Circus (the kind with chariot races, not jugglers), an Almohad palace, and an Almohad Christian Dominican convent. There’s a vaulted area, called a qubba, that may be the remains of the Almohad palace. The carillon (bell tower) was restored in 1998 and is one of the three best-preserved, manually operated carillons in Spain. I’ll have to record it on one of my walks. Speaking of which, I had great long walks over the weekend and walked so far east that when I turned for home I saw a sign welcoming me to the city of Córdoba.
San Geraldo finished planting his aquascape Saturday. I would have shared photos but three plants have decided to float and I’m waiting for him to clean things up. Even so, I find it beautiful and already a bit hypnotic.
We received our cards from our new bank Friday. I, however, did not receive my PIN in separate mail. Maybe it will arrive today. If not, I’ll stop by the bank. San Geraldo has still not received his replacement card (the second one) from our old bank. Despite his best efforts, he suspects they again sent it to Fuengirola. We’ll be done with them soon.
The weather is growing more tolerable. It was actually 17˚C/62.6˚F when I woke up this morning. Still headed for 35˚C/95˚F this afternoon.
Mientras continúo recorriendo las 12 iglesias fernandinas del centro de la ciudad —aquellos templos de los siglos XIII y XIV cuya construcción ordenó el rey Fernando III tras la reconquista cristiana de Córdoba—, me gustaría hablarles de la iglesia de San Pablo, situada frente al Ayuntamiento. Su ubicación siempre ha sido privilegiada dentro del centro urbano. En este mismo lugar hubo un circo romano (de los de carreras de carros, no de malabaristas), un palacio almohade y, posteriormente, un convento dominico. Se conserva una zona abovedada, conocida como qubba, que podría ser un vestigio de aquel palacio almohade. El carillón (torre de campanas) fue restaurado en 1998 y es uno de los tres mejor conservados de España que funcionan de forma manual. Tendré que grabarlo en uno de mis paseos. A propósito, este fin de semana di unos paseos largos estupendos; caminé tanto hacia el este que, al dar media vuelta para regresar a casa, vi un cartel que daba la bienvenida a la ciudad de Córdoba.
San Geraldo terminó de montar su acuario paisajístico el sábado. Habría compartido fotos, pero tres plantas han decidido flotar y estoy esperando a que él arregle el asunto. Aun así, me parece precioso y ya resulta algo hipnótico.
El viernes recibimos las tarjetas de nuestro nuevo banco. Sin embargo, yo no recibí el PIN en un envío aparte; tal vez llegue hoy. Si no, me pasaré por el banco. San Geraldo sigue sin recibir la tarjeta de reemplazo (la segunda) de nuestro antiguo banco. A pesar de sus esfuerzos, sospecha que la han enviado de nuevo a Fuengirola. Pronto terminaremos nuestra relación con ellos.
El tiempo empieza a ser más llevadero. De hecho, esta mañana, al despertarme, había 17 °C (62,6 °F). Eso sí, se espera que esta tarde se alcancen los 35 °C (95 °F).
• La portada barroca que da al Ayuntamiento y conduce al patio de la iglesia.
• Se alcanza a ver el carillón en la parte superior derecha.
• Las estaciones del Vía Crucis están talladas en mármol y cuentan con monturas ornamentadas. Sin embargo, se encuentran tan altas en las paredes que resultan difíciles de ver. Esto ha sido así en las tres iglesias que he visitado hasta ahora, aunque la primera tenía obras talladas en madera.
• Una entrada/salida lateral. Observe la puerta situada tras subir unos pocos escalones a la derecha y, a continuación, consulte la información más abajo.
• ¿Adoración Nocturna? ¿Es eso un eufemismo?
• Volviendo a entrar.
• De regreso al Ayuntamiento.
Such beautiful pictures, Mitch! Thank you so much ;-)! Jan from Perth
Jan from Perth:
Glad you liked them. Thanks.
Again, while I am no fan of what goes on inside many churches I do love looking at them. I love the soaring ceilings!
On another note, it will be in the 90s today but then on Thursday we will only reach 70. I cannot wait!
Bob:
You and I are alike when it comes to churches. And the weather.
I love the elaborate metalwork nail heads on the ancient wooden door shown near the top of today’s photos. They look like turtles!
Debra:
Yes, they do!
That next to the last photo shows two things that would make wonderful rubbings!
sillygirl:
I’m sure it’s not permitted, but you’re right.
That rubbing idea is exactly what I was thinking! Wonderful subject, where’s my heelball? Old gravestone fan here. Boud
Boud:
Rubbings are usually not permitted on these ancient surfaces, but it would be fun.
Wow, such great works, and so many wonderful places to explore.
David:
If I ignore the religion (and its history) I can appreciate the brilliant creations.
The pillared altars are stunning; pity the altar-cloth hangs over the edge spoiling the effect. I loves me a good-lookin’ column.
wickedhamster:
I agree. I thought they should remove the “tablecloths”!
The architecture and the statuary and all the gold and bronze and marble and velvet are so overwhelming. Yes. They are indeed beautiful and majestic but what does any of it have to do with religion? I have long wondered this. Visiting the Vatican when I was 18 completely destroyed any illusion I may have had about the church caring one thing about the poor, or in fact with what had been written in the Bible about Jesus and his supposed message.
Forgive me. I’m in a mood this morning. But your pictures are amazing, Mitchell. Truly.
Mary Moon:
It’s supposed to inspire awe in the flock (never mind offending them with the abundance while they starved).
And in these things they succeeded.
Wow! It’s beautiful, though ostentatious, inside that church. I love the doors and iron gates. I’ve always wished for iron gates and a courtyard. The weather is more tolerable in Northeast Florida, too, and I think I might have solved my banking problems this morning. I had to figure it out myself since customer service provides no service.
Love,
Janie
janiejunebug:
Iron gates and courtyards are standard on private homes around here. Obviously not at that level. I’ll actually be sharing one today.
Not so high on the ornate spectrum. At least it doesn’t have a huge agonized contorted Jesus on the cross.
ellen abbott:
The building manager (an SOB) where we first lived in Seville was an Opus Dei Catholic. He had an enormous (like 6ft x 6ft) painting behind him and his desk. It was a close-up of Jesus in agony wearing the crown of thorns with blood dripping from it. Frightening.
Churches in Spain are beautiful if only for the craftsmanship and art. However it always looks very pagan to me.
larry:
It is ironic how pagan most religious imagery appears.
It’s not coincidence! New religions transplant themselves by co-opting existing religions, which were often pagan.
Spanish Baroque is the most over-the-top of any country – the altar screen is so grandiose, it alone must have taken years to create! Jx
Jon:
Once major thought I have when I see all this is that maybe someone actually made a living.
I half expect Norma Desmond to emerge from one of those churches.
Kirk:
Wouldn’t that be a riot!
Fantastic doors!
I am very pleased that you’ve been having good walks, I’m really enjoying the churches, and it’s very nice to know that the aquarium is already soothing 🥰
Judy C:
The doors are incredible. Happy to be out and about.
Your door photos and the settings they hide….I love seeing these! Thank you. Olivia
Olivia,
Thank YOU. I really enjoy them and find them fascinating.