The
Church of San Pedro
dating from the eighteenth century, is located on the street with the same name in Santiago de Compostela, famous for being one of the main entry routes for pilgrims on the French Way.
This modern temple was built over an ancient church dating back to the ninth century, called San Pedro de Fóra because of its location outside the walls of the old city.
The church benefited, since 1200, from the royalties paid by the shell sellers who traded in the vicinity. In fact, the neighborhood of Concheiros, located in the vicinity of the temple, received its name from this tradition.
Already in the 15th century, the old building, which was then in a dilapidated state, became part of the monastery of San Martiño Pinario, as part of the reforms implemented in the city by order of Cardinal Cisneros.
This was finally demolished in 1839 and the construction of the building, as it is known today, a simple project of little artistic value, was planned centuries later.
The interest of the temple lies, especially, in the history that led to its current state and in some of the elements preserved in its walls. Inside it houses several neoclassical altars with imagery attributed to the workshop of José Ferreiro.
In addition, this neoclassical church still preserves some elements of the old monastery of San Pedro de Fóra. Over the years, teams of researchers have found various burial remains in the atrium of the church.
It is believed that these vestiges date back to the Benedictine monastery, which once served as an inn prior to the construction of the Hostal dos Reis Católicos. The oldest date back to the 12th century.
At present, St. Peter’s Church is open for regular worship on Saturdays at 7:00 pm and Sundays at 10:00 am and 12:30 pm.
