Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Iglesia del Santo Sepulcro)

by Ton Van Zeijl

The Iglesia del Santo Sepulcro is located at the entrance to the city. I came from Puente la Reina and the church is at the foot of the pilgrimage route. It is one of the oldest parishes in the city and maintained this state until 1881. There is written evidence that in 1123, the brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre already had its headquarters in this temple.

It was begun at the beginning of the 13th century, but was not completed until well into the 16th century. It was once built with three naves, but only the middle section remained. This rectangular nave is finished with a semicircular apse (a semicircular, or polygonal, niche-shaped space on a basilica, church, cathedral or temple). On the outside, it is divided by simple columns and an impost (part of the pillar where the arch begins) that runs along the entire head. The capitals are sculpted with very simple plant motifs. The whole is quite degraded by time.

During my walk to Santiago de Compostela, I came across many types of facades with doors decorated with beautiful texts, paintings, gable stones and or fine metal fittings. Sometimes they were also very dilapidated. I took a series of photos of them, some of which hang on my wall as a reminder of my inspiring journey. Now also here in my shop at Werk aan de muur. Take a look around, because you might want one on your wall too.