These three, semicircular apses with a Moorish design called Meudéjar are the architectural highlight of Iglesia Santiago del Arrabal. It was commissioned in the mid-13th century by Sancho II while he was the king of Portugal. The Catholic church’s namesake is St. James the Greater, one of the Twelve Apostles. Also known as Santiago, he is Spain’s patron saint. The Spanish word “arrabal” means suburb. This was applied to the name because the Church of Saint James was outside of the city walls when it was constructed.
