Saint James’ Church

Saint James’ Church reflects centuries of religious architecture, marked by several transformations, destruction, and expansions. It dates back to the 11th century, when a wooden church stood here, dedicated to Saint James and serving pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. A century later, it was rebuilt in stone in a Romanesque style, though today only the base of the octagonal bell tower, the two western towers, and the pillars of the transept from that period remain. A witness to nearly 900 years of religious architecture, the church suffered a severe fire in 1400, resulting in its asymmetrical facade. Saint James’ is a blend of styles inside and out, each layer telling part of its story. Once a place of worship for guilds, merchant associations protected by the city authorities, the building now hosts various cultural and social activities, while still honouring its deep religious roots.