The church was built over the site of a former medieval hermitage dedicated to the same saint.
The interior contains a 16th-century Plateresque altarpiece attributed to the workshop of Esteban Jamete.
It is the starting point for the 'Prendimiento' procession, a major event during Jerez's Holy Week.
The exterior facade features a late-Gothic portal with intricate stone carvings that survived the 17th-century expansion.
The church was officially declared a Historical-Artistic Monument in 1977.
Iglesia de Santiago is a significant example of Late Gothic architecture in Jerez de la Frontera, constructed between the 15th and 16th centuries. The structure features a unique blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements resulting from various modifications over several centuries. It holds the status of a Bien de Interés Cultural, designating it as a site of historical and artistic heritage in Spain. The building is home to the Cofradía del Prendimiento, one of the most prominent brotherhoods in the city. The main altar is characterized by its distinct Plateresque design. Recent restorations have stabilized the structural integrity of the masonry and the vaulted ceilings. The church is situated at the edge of the historic Santiago quarter, which historically served as the center of the local Romani community.
The exterior main portal from the Plaza de Santiago provides the best frame for the Gothic stonework.
Visit during Holy Week to witness the cultural significance of the brotherhoods associated with the church.
Inspect the side chapels for 18th-century baroque ornamentation that contrasts with the earlier Gothic structure.
Do not attempt to enter or walk around during ongoing religious services.
Closed for visits during daily liturgical services.
Shoulders and knees must be covered; maintain silence during prayer times; refrain from using flash photography.