Church of San Fructuoso

Rúa da Trindade, Santiago de Compostela, 15705

Categories:

Santiago de Compostela, Churches / chapels

Tags:

Old town, St James Way, Religious, Sacred art, Baroque style, Visitable, Monumental church

18th c. Baroque

Known as the Church of Las Angustias de Abajo, La Real Angustia or simply San Fructuosa. This churrigueresque church was designed by Lucas Ferro Caaveiro in the 18th century. Its central ground-plan structure is dominated by a magnificent half-orange dome.

Among its sculptures, it is worth mentioning Antón Fernández o Vello's neoclassical Pietà, which dominates the high altar.

The façade is designed to be contemplated from above, either from Plaza del Obradoiro or the terrace of the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. In a niche above the front we can see an image of Our Lady of 'Las Angustias'. On top of the upper cornice there are images of the four cardinal virtues: Prudence, Justice, Strength and Temperance. According to popular tradition, they are said to represent, with tongue in cheek, the four jacks in the Spanish pack of cards. A belfry adorned with volutes and pinnacles crowns the building.