THE PARISH OF SÃO BARTOLOMEU OF COIMBRA IN THE MIDDLE AGES: THE LANDSCAPE, THE SOCIETY AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE RIVER (12th-15th CENTURIES)

Abstract

This paper begins by analysing the urban landscape and socio-economic composition of the parish of São Bartolomeu in Coimbra between the 12th and 15th centuries, before going on to study the territorial nature of its parish rights and its claim to tithes on the opposite bank of the river from the fourteenth century. An expansion process of parish jurisdiction which came into conflict with the interests of other ecclesiastical institutions in the city can thus be seen. This leads to a reflection on the relationship of this urban area with the river, questioning whether it was a condition for, or an obstacle to, economic growth and who was harmed or benefited in each case. Answers to these questions will be found through an analysis of the influence of this church in its parish and in the city.