CHURCH OF SAN LORENZO, CORDOBA

The chancel of the Church of San Lorenzo ends in an apse that preserves Gothic paintings unique in Andalusia. It's the feature that justifies taking your time at the altar, because it's not just another decorative detail: it's part of the church's identity.

These paintings came to light when a Baroque main altarpiece covering them was removed. Since that discovery, the altar is understood differently: the fresco paintings now take centre stage, which is why they're considered one of the must-sees of the visit.

The Church of San Lorenzo stands on Plaza de San Lorenzo, and the first thing that strikes you is its stone portico façade, with a large rose window dominating the front of the church. It's the easiest landmark to get your bearings and know you've arrived.

Right in front, in the same square, is the Fuente del Cervatillo, one of the features highlighted as a must-see of the area. Between the portico, the rose window and the fountain, this square works as the natural prelude to the visit.

At the base of the bell tower, remains of the tower of the old mosque, the minaret, are preserved.

The alteration carried out by Hernán Ruiz II was decisive here: the old tower was kept and a bell stage was added, while the design of the topmost stage was reworked. He's the same architect who worked on the Giralda tower in Seville.

In one of the chapels of the Church of San Lorenzo stands the Cristo del Remedio de Ánimas, a 17th-century carving from the Granada school, noted for its artistic and devotional value in the city.

Next to this image is Nuestra Señora de las Tristezas, also from the 17th century and attributed to the sculptor Antonio del Castillo. These two pieces are among the main highlights to look for during the visit inside.

The starting point was an old mosque located in the Axerquía, the eastern district of the Islamic-era city. After the conquest of Cordoba by Ferdinand III the Saint, that building became a church and has remained so to this day.

This origin helps explain the building as it's visited today, with traces of earlier stages still visible in specific features, such as the base of the tower.

The visit runs Monday to Friday, and the church stays closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Hours change by season. In winter it opens from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00. In summer, from 9:00 to 15:00 and from 17:00 to 19:00.

Access uses a single ticket costing €13 per person, valid for visiting all the churches, and entry is free with the purchase of the Mosque-Cathedral ticket. There are discounts for students and seniors at the ticket office.

The ticket is bought at the Episcopal Palace, at Calle Torrijos, 12, and it must be purchased after getting the Mosque-Cathedral ticket.