Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and Córdoba Mosque Architecture

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Floor Plan

This Romanesque architectural masterpiece is religious in nature. The floor plan reveals a Latin cross church structure with three naves in the longitudinal arm and three in the transverse arm (transept).

• The naves feature a central barrel vault and lateral aisles.
• The central nave is wider and higher than the lateral aisles.

At the west end (foot), two quadrangular towers are clearly visible. The façade features three entrances; the central one is divided by a mullion, leading to an atrium.

Interior and Structural Elements

Inside, cruciform pillars are visible. Thick exterior buttresses are also noticeable. The huge semi-circular apse is emphasized, featuring a wide ambulatory around the altar, complemented by radiating chapels.

In the transept arms, access openings with obvious splaying (flaring) are visible. The overall monumentality of the structure is striking.

Key Details

• Style: Spanish Romanesque
• Period: 11th Century (S. XI)

The Portico of Glory: Santiago de Compostela

This section describes Romanesque sculptures of religious themes. The view of this portal highlights its exceptional decorative richness.

Sculptural Elements and Iconography

• The portal shows significant splaying (flaring).
• The jambs feature prophets and apostles.
• The central figure of St. James is located on the mullion, which is decorated by attached shafts supporting the statue.

The archivolts depict the Elders of the Apocalypse. The tympanum represents the Pantocrator accompanied by angels carrying the Instruments of the Passion. The Cross of Santiago is also present.

The composition emphasizes high complexity and density, evident in the agglomeration of characters and rich decoration, showcasing the monument's artistic value.

Artistic Data

• Author: Maestro Mateo
• Material: Granite, Marble
• Technique: Carved
• Period: Late Romanesque

The Great Mosque of Córdoba (Mezquita)

This is a significant Hispano-Muslim architectural work of a religious nature, focusing on the interior of the prayer hall (Haram).

Architectural Features of the Haram

The hall features numerous columns, typically lacking bases, with plain shafts made of variegated marble.

The arcade system is double-tiered:

• The lower level consists of horseshoe arches resting on the pilasters.
• The upper tier consists of arches springing from the capitals of the pilasters.

The columns feature peculiar double capitals: the lower ones are classically inspired, while the upper ones are pragmatic or schismatic Byzantine. Decorative rows of corbels are also visible.

The voussoirs of the arches present alternating red and white colors, creating a sense of wealth and rhythmic motion throughout the space.

Historical Context

• Style: Hispano-Muslim
• Chronology: Córdoba Caliphate, 8th Century (S. VIII)
• Materials: Marble, Granite, and Brick