San Bartolomé Church, Logroño
La Rioja
The Church of San Bartolomé in Logroño, Spain, is the oldest church in the city, with construction beginning in the 12th century. It preserves Romanesque elements in its head and the initial part of its tower, while the 13th-century additions reflect the Gothic style, most notably in its magnificent arched portal adorned with Romanesque sculptures narrating the life of Saint Bartholomew and biblical scenes. The basilica features three naves separated by octagonal pillars and covered with groin vaults, highlighting the Romanesque crossing and apse. The tower, originally damaged during the 1521 siege of Logroño, was rebuilt with Mudéjar style influences and later housed an optical telegraph station in the 19th century. The church has undergone various secular uses over time, including as a warehouse and military hospital, but remains a protected heritage site and a notable landmark on the Way of St. James pilgrimage route. Its portal contains 19 detailed vignettes depicting episodes from Saint Bartholomew's life, with scenes of his miracles, martyrdom, and preaching, including the iconic depiction of him carrying his own skin. The tympanum of the porch shows Christ the Redeemer flanked by the Virgin and Saint John, though it was repositioned during 16th-century renovations. Adjacent to the church is the Palace of the Marquises of Monesterio, a historic building from 1751 that has served various community functions. Overall, the church is a unique architectural and historical treasure blending Romanesque and Gothic styles with rich sculptural storytelling.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to explore the church during daylight hours to fully appreciate the detailed sculptures and architectural features. The best time to visit is outside major pilgrimage rushes on the Way of St. James to avoid crowds. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended during peak seasons. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Photography is usually allowed but check local guidelines. Guided tours can enhance understanding of the portal's intricate scenes and the church's historical context.
Interesting facts
- •The church's portal contains 19 sculpted vignettes depicting the life and martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew, including the unique image of him preaching while carrying his own skin over his shoulder.
- •The tower was used as an optical telegraph station during the First Carlist War in the mid-19th century, part of Spain's extensive semaphore telegraph network.
- •During the 1521 siege of Logroño, the tower was damaged by French artillery due to its proximity to the city's defensive walls.
- •The tympanum of the porch was lowered in the 16th century to accommodate a window that illuminated the choir, a renovation carried out by stonemason Pedro de Acha.
- •The church once housed a major 18th-century altarpiece painted in white and gold, resembling that of the Holy Martyrs of Calahorra, but it no longer remains.
- •The adjacent Palace of the Marquises of Monesterio, dating from 1751, was historically connected to the church and has served various community functions including a cinema and schools.
History
The Church of San Bartolomé was founded in the 12th century, initially built in the Romanesque style.
In the 13th century, Gothic elements were added, particularly the arched portal with sculptural narratives.
The tower sustained damage during the 1521 siege of Logroño by French forces and was later rebuilt with Mudéjar influences.
In the 19th century, the church was secularized during the Ecclesiastical confiscations, repurposed as a warehouse and military hospital, and many original artworks were lost.
It was declared a National Monument in 1866 and remains a protected cultural heritage site today.
Place Guide
Gothic Portal with Romanesque Sculptures13th-14th century
This magnificent arched entrance from the 13th-14th century features 19 intricately carved vignettes that narrate the life, miracles, and martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew, including scenes of him healing, expelling demons, and his gruesome martyrdom by being skinned alive. The portal is a key artistic highlight combining Gothic and Romanesque styles.
Romanesque Apse and Crossing12th century
The church's apse and crossing retain their original Romanesque style, featuring groin vaults and octagonal pillars. The apse is notable for lacking an altarpiece today, although it once held an 18th-century white and gold altarpiece resembling that of Calahorra's Holy Martyrs.
Mudéjar Style TowerRebuilt post-1521
Originally part Romanesque, the tower was rebuilt in brick with Mudéjar style influences after damage during the 1521 French siege. It once guarded the Herbentia gate near the old town hall and later housed an optical telegraph station during the 19th century.
Tympanum of Christ the Redeemer16th century
The tympanum depicting Christ the Redeemer flanked by the Virgin and Saint John was lowered in the 16th century to accommodate a window illuminating the choir, a renovation by stonemason Pedro de Acha. This Renaissance arch supports the choir area.
Palace of the Marquises of Monesterio1751
Adjacent and partially attached to the church, this 18th-century palace served as a residence for the Marquis of Monesterio and Lapilla. Over time, it has housed various institutions including schools and a cinema, and has been restored for official use.
Contact
Phone: 941 25 22 54
