Iglesia parroquial de San Pablo

The Iglesia parroquial de San Pablo, also known locally as Iglesia de San Pablo, is a magnificent architectural gem nestled in the vibrant city of Zaragoza, Spain. Often referred to as the third cathedral of Zaragoza, this historic church stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural and religious heritage. Its origins date back to the late 13th and early 14th centuries, showcasing a blend of Gothic and Mudéjar styles that have evolved through successive expansions and renovations over the centuries.

A Journey Through Time

The history of the Iglesia parroquial de San Pablo is deeply intertwined with the growth and development of the San Pablo neighborhood, also known as El Gancho. By the late 13th century, the burgeoning population of this area necessitated the construction of a larger place of worship. Thus, in 1284, the old Romanesque hermitage of San Blas was demolished to make way for the new Gothic-Mudéjar church, which was completed by the mid-14th century.

Originally, the church featured a single nave with chapels nestled between its buttresses and a polygonal apse. However, as the neighborhood continued to grow, so did the church. In the 15th century, two additional naves were added, enveloping the original structure and integrating the tower, which was initially attached to the church's western end. This expansion transformed the church into a complex and varied space, reflecting the architectural and cultural influences of different eras.

The Majestic Mudéjar Tower

One of the most striking features of the Iglesia parroquial de San Pablo is its Mudéjar tower, an octagonal masterpiece that stands as one of the finest examples of Mudéjar architecture in Zaragoza. The tower's intricate design includes two concentric bodies, with a staircase winding between them, offering panoramic views of the city. The tower's exterior is adorned with decorative elements such as pointed arches, friezes of diamonds, and interlaced arches, all crafted from brick in the traditional Mudéjar style.

The tower's lower sections are hidden within the church, revealing themselves only from the interior. The upper sections, visible from the outside, feature a series of pointed arches and twin windows that add to the tower's grandeur. The tower culminates in a slender, conical spire topped with a small drum and a ball, a design that was renewed in 1849 by José Yarza y Miñana.

Exploring the Interior

Stepping inside the Iglesia parroquial de San Pablo, visitors are greeted by a stunning array of artistic and architectural treasures. The church's main altarpiece, crafted by the renowned sculptor Damián Forment between 1511 and 1531, is a true masterpiece. This gilded and polychromed wooden retablo features a central niche housing a statue of Saint Paul, the church's patron saint. Above this, an oculus serves as a tabernacle, while the upper section depicts a Calvary scene. The altarpiece's intricate carvings and Renaissance decorations make it a focal point of the church's interior.

The church also boasts a rich collection of chapels, each with its own unique character and history. The south side chapels, added between the 16th and 18th centuries, showcase a variety of architectural styles, from Renaissance to Baroque. These chapels are adorned with star-shaped ribbed vaults, domes, and lanterns, creating a visually captivating experience for visitors.

The North Portal and Other Highlights

The north portal, known as the Puerta de la Tramontana or Puerta del Santo Cristo, is another highlight of the Iglesia parroquial de San Pablo. This Gothic portal, crafted from alabaster in the 15th century, features a lowered arch flanked by statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Above the arch, a tympanum depicts a seated Christ flanked by Saint John and the Virgin Mary, along with other saints. The portal's intricate carvings and Gothic details draw comparisons to the portal of the Seo de Huesca.

In addition to the north portal, the church's main entrance on the south side underwent renovations in the 17th and 18th centuries. This entrance features a semicircular arch with Tuscan pilasters and a statue of Our Lady of the Populo in a niche above the door. The entrance's grand design is completed with an entablature of metopes and flanking vases, all crafted from stone.

The Sacred Spaces

The presbytery, sacristy, and choir of the Iglesia parroquial de San Pablo are equally noteworthy. The presbytery houses a remarkable oil painting by Jerónimo Cósida, depicting the Immaculate Conception surrounded by Old Testament patriarchs and Church doctors. The altar's frontal, crafted by José Godó and Bernardo Garro in 1720, features intricate silverwork depicting the decapitation of Saint Paul and other religious scenes.

The sacristy, located in the southeastern corner of the church, is accessed through a beautifully crafted plaster door from the 16th century. The door's upper section features a medallion with the image of Saint Paul. The choir, completed under the direction of Jerónimo Cósida between 1569 and 1572, includes intricately carved wooden stalls and an organ inspired by those in the Cathedral of La Seo de Zaragoza. The choir's bronze grille, added between 1727 and 1752, further enhances its grandeur.

A Living Monument

Declared a national monument in 1931 and included in UNESCO's World Heritage list in 2001, the Iglesia parroquial de San Pablo is more than just a historic building. It is a living monument that continues to serve the spiritual and cultural needs of Zaragoza's residents and visitors. Its walls echo with the stories of centuries past, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Zaragoza's history and heritage.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to the Iglesia parroquial de San Pablo promises to be an unforgettable experience. As you explore its hallowed halls, you will be transported back in time, marveling at the craftsmanship and devotion that have shaped this remarkable church into the treasure it is today.