The Parroquia del Sagrario is not just another chapel. In addition to standing out for its artistic value, it is one of the enclaves of the Cathedral where the Catholic liturgy is performed each day. This is the oldest parish church in the diocese of Cordoba, responsible for safeguarding a series of Sacramental Books dating back to the year 1520

The site where the Parroquia del Sagrario stands today was previously home to other functions, such as being the Chapel of Santiago and the Chapter Library. This space, a result of the work of the architects Hernán Ruiz I and III, has been a Sanctuary of the Cathedral since the final quarter of the 16th century. 

It is a rectangular shaped chapel, divided into three naves and covered by a ribbed vault. Its main attraction lies in the series of wall paintings which, as commissioned by Bishop Antonio de Pazos y Figueroa, decorate the entire space. This group of pictures, started in 1583, are the work of the painter from Piedmont, César Arbasia, who would link this work to the centres of artistic creation in Italy at that time.

In terms of the iconographic value of this group, we must highlight the presence of the holy Cordoban martyrs, arranged in threes and accompanied by text which contains details of their lives and martyrdoms. The chosen theme is no coincidence if we take into account the discovery of the martyr relics in the Cordoban Basilica of San Pedro, and the re-publication of the Memoriale Sanctorum by Ambrosio de Morales. This work would constitute one of the main sources of inspiration for Arbasia in producing his work.

Found alongside these scenes of the Cordoban martyrs are a number of landscape, grotesque and angel compositions and symbols of the Passion. However, it is the scene from the Holy Supper in the presbytery which draws much of the visitors’ attention.

We must also not forget the other artists who worked in this space. Guillermo de Orta was the joiner who carved the tabernacle and the gates of the Sanctuary while Alonso de Ribera was responsible for adding polychrome to them. Hernando de Valencia was responsible for creating the railings around the chapel.