Exercise Two.shona Madden

Iglesia de San Lorenzo

The Church of San Lorenzo was

is also a third level to the

built in second half of the 13th

bell tower. The latter body is

Century. Its construction was typi-

rotated on the previous one,

cal of Andalucian churches of the

so that their corner coincides

time: Rectangular plan with three

with the centre of the sides,

naves, the central one being higher

a very unique feature of the

than the lateral ones, and without a

Church. The tower culmi-

transect.

nates with a lantern with a

A Christian temple was built on an

circular section.

ancient Mosque of al-Mugira. During the Christian

The area in which the Church is located still reflects its

period the mosque was used as a temple. In 1272 San

Muslim heritage. The narrow, curved streets and the

Lorenzo received the money to build a new temple.

externally plain, white-washed houses are evidence of

Many changes to the Church have taken place over

this.

the years, although the most interesting is that of

The Church of San Lorenzo was recently re-opened af-

Cordoban architect Herman Ruiz Jr. In 1555 Herman

ter extensive renovations to the sum of €1,437,349.30.

Ruiz built the bell tower. It is composed of three parts:

The work done involved everything from cleaning to

The first part begins in the porch outside the entrance,

structural strengthening and decorative improvements.

the second part has a balustrade and a square plan with arches. The bell is contained at this level. There