Convento de Santa Cruz (Holy Cross Convent), Cordoba

Holy Cross Convent, located in the historic center of the San Pedro neighborhood in Córdoba, is a remarkable convent with a rich history. Founded in 1435 by Pedro de los Ríos y Gutiérrez de Aguayo and his wife, Teresa Zurita, the building has always been closely associated with the Ríos family. Over time, the family added new spaces to the original project resulting in a unique structure composed of different structures organized around courtyards.

The Holy Cross Convent is renowned for its originality, architecture, and artistic setting. The complex includes the cloister, convent, church, house of the novices of the eighteenth century, and courtyard. The main structure features architectural elements in Roman, Muslim, Moorish, and Baroque styles, which reflect the historic and artistic development of Córdoba. The church interior is adorned with impressive retablos, tiling, and paintings that are of great cultural and artistic significance.

In 2011, the Convento de Santa Cruz was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural site in recognition of its cultural and historical value. Although the monastery was founded in the 15th century, later alterations, mostly from the Baroque period, have resulted in the loss of much of its original Gothic architecture.

The semi-circular archway at the entrance of the convent leads to the courtyard, and the approach to the church features the coats of arms of the convent's patrons, the Marquises of Escalonias. The tombs of the patrons can be found below the pews in the presbytery. The church was completely reformed in the 18th century, and the higher and lower choir stalls are adorned with beautiful decorative carvings.