Church of Sao Tiago, Coimbra

Nestled in the lively Commerce Square (Praca do Comercio), the Church of Sao Tiago stands as one of Coimbra’s finest Romanesque monuments, bearing the weight of centuries of history. Classified as a National Monument, its origins stretch back to before 957, as mentioned in a document linked to the Lorraine Monastery. However, the structure as it stands today was largely rebuilt in the late 12th century, during the reign of Sancho I of Portugal.

The church’s robust and imposing design embodies the Romanesque style, with its most striking exterior feature being the richly ornamented portals. The south portal, likely dating to the late 12th century, is adorned with a vine-shaped frame, plant-motif capitals, and intricately carved columns. The main façade, modified later, features a four-arch portal with capitals that borrow elements from Coimbra’s Old Cathedral, including plant and animal motifs.

Inside, the church is structured with three naves and three chapels at its head. The 15th century saw the addition of a Gothic-style quadrangular chapel to the north, featuring an elaborately carved chambranle. The 16th century saw major interior changes, including a rare flamboyant Gothic chapel. In the 18th century, Romanesque columns were covered, and a gilded Rococo altarpiece was added to the chancel.

Over the centuries, Sao Tiago Church saw major changes, including a second church built above it in the 1540s (removed in the 20th century) and the loss of part of its structure in 1861 due to street widening. Despite this, it remains an architectural gem, with its medieval stonework echoing Coimbra’s past.