San Pedro Church

Ávila, Spain

Residing over Plaza del Mercado Grande, San Pedro projection is similar to that of the Basilica of San Vicente. The monarchs swore their respect for the charters of Castile in the atrium of the church, which underlines its importance during the period in which the town achieved its greatest relevance in the world of politics.

San Pedro has a Latin-cross layout with a central nave that is larger than the side naves. Its construction began in the second quarter of the 12th century and was completed in the 13th century after a period in which the work was stopped. The architecture and decoration shows an evolution of particular interest as a result of the delays in the construction work.

It has a triple upper end with an apse on each nave and a magnificent collection of sculptures showing plant, animal and geometric motifs and scenes from the Bible. The ceilings were covered with barrel and groined vaults in the 13th century. Over time, the arches became forerunners to those used in the Gothic period. Finally, a tower was built on the place where the central nave intersects with the transept.

The main front has two bodies: the upper body is dominated by a large rose window and the lower body has a porch in which the size of the entrance is magnified by six plain archivolts. The southern porch is similar but smaller in size. The northern entrance is more ornamental and moulded with five archivolts, two of which are decorated with typical Ávila-style rosettes.The interior stands out thanks to the panels distributed around the walls of the nave, the Renaissance-style altars and the altarpiece in the main chapel, together with its grilles.It was designated a National Monument in 1914.

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Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Religious sites in Spain

More Information

www.avilaturismo.com

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4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Miguel A. Diaz (5 months ago)
Located in the Plaza del Mercado Grande, the visiting hours are quite short (11:00 - 12:00 and 19:00 - 20:00), so if you happen to stop by, take advantage. It is worth the visit. Entrance is free
Ricardo Bayo Andreu (6 months ago)
Romanesque church that can be visited without paying an entrance fee, although it is advisable to do so outside of mass hours. It has the charm of Romanesque churches, wooden floors, little light, old smell... Highly recommended visit.
david howells (13 months ago)
Avila A walk around the walled city of Ávila. It is a city in the rolling hill country northwest of Madrid. It’s best known for its intact medieval city walls, with 80-plus crenelated, semicircular towers (compared to Conwy Castle’s 21) and 9 gates, including the arched El Alcázar, on the eastern side. Long sections atop the walls are walkable. Very much like Conwy but without an actual dog’s mutts castle! A stunning stunning place to spend the day ❤️. World Heritage Site No 6. Old Town of Ávila with its Extra-Muros Churches (Nine of them). The Church of St Peter the Apostle being one of them.
86Maiteg (2 years ago)
It is located in the Plaza de Sta Teresa or the Mercado Grande. In front of one of the entrances of the wall. Being such an important square in the city, it is almost impossible not to see this church.
M. 1985 (3 years ago)
Located in the Plaza del Mercado Grande, in front of the Puerta del Alcázar. She is beautiful both inside and out. Inside, the austere ornamentation contrasts with the interesting set of paintings and altarpieces. Free entrance
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