CHURCH OF SAN ANDRÉS, CORDOBA

The origin lies over the remains of the old Basilica of San Zoilo, next to the old Vía Augusta, the road that connected Baetica with Rome. The church was formed in the 13th century, after the Christian conquest of Cordoba by Ferdinand III the Saint.

From there, the building kept changing over time. After a fire, major remodelling work was carried out, and by the 17th century the medieval church had been greatly transformed. The medieval façade was walled up and the original entrance moved to where it stands today. Later restorations recovered the medieval entrance door, although it's noted that it doesn't retain part of its original fabric.

The Church of San Andrés is on Plaza de San Andrés, within the San Andrés neighbourhood. On arrival, the most recognisable feature is the large façade in white and albero tones.

In the entrance niche you'll see the sculpture of San Andrés, and to the left stands the bell tower, one of the features singled out as a must-see on the visit.

The interior is arranged in three naves, with the central one taller than the side aisles. In the 17th century a transept was added, and from there it's easy to see why the main altar, the paintings and the processional images are the focus of the visit.

At the back stands a richly decorated altarpiece attributed to the Sevillian sculptor Pedro Duque Cornejo, the same sculptor behind the choir stalls of Cordoba Cathedral, considered one of the most important in Spain.

Paintings by two local artists are preserved here, Antonio del Castillo and Palomino, both also linked to work carried out for Cordoba Cathedral.

Among the processional images are those of the Brotherhood of la Esperanza: Nuestro Padre Jesús de las Penas, known as el Gitano, and the Virgen de la Esperanza, known as la Gitana, both noted for their artistic and devotional value.

The Renaissance tower is one of the must-see features of the Church of San Andrés and one of the elements that sets it apart along the route of Ferdinand-era churches. The main alterations date from the 16th century and are attributed to the architect Hernán Ruiz II.

At this stage, the design followed the model of the bell tower he had built at the Church of San Lorenzo, applying the same innovation: rotating the top bell stage. This detail is highlighted as one of the key features that make this tower especially representative within the city.

This church opens Monday to Friday and stays closed on Saturdays and Sundays, with hours changing by season. In winter: 10:00 to 14:00 and 15:00 to 18:00. In summer: 9:00 to 15:00 and 17:00 to 19:00.

Tickets work under a single system for the Ferdinand-era churches and are purchased after buying the ticket for the Mosque-Cathedral. Prices: adults €13, children 10–14 years €7, under 10s free. Access to this church is free with the Mosque-Cathedral ticket, and there are discounts at the ticket office: Youth Card €10, seniors +65 free, disability +65: €7, plus discounts for students, people with disabilities and seniors.

Tickets are bought at the Episcopal Palace, at Calle Torrijos, 12.

We recommend a tour because it gives you context and helps you understand what you're looking at in less time, without getting lost