Church of San Bartolomé de Arcila

Arcila, Morocco

The Church of St. Bartholomew is a Catholic church located in the historic coastal city of Asilah, in northern Morocco. It belongs to the Archdiocese of Tangier and is a testament to the long relationship between this city and the European Christian presence.

History

Arcila (Asilah) was finally occupied by Portugal on 24 August 1471, along with King Alfonso V of Portugal. Together with Tangier and Alcazarser, it was one of the territories included in the diocese of Tangier erected by Pope Sixto IV on August 21, 1472 through the bull Clara devotionis.

The city had a continuous Christian presence during the period of Portuguese and later Spanish rule. After Morocco's independence in 1956, the Catholic community declined significantly, but the church continued to provide pastoral services.

Arcila and its heritage

Arcila is known for its fortified medina, Portuguese walls, and rich historical heritage that blends Berber, Portuguese, and Spanish influences. The city was an important trading and military outpost during the 15th and 16th centuries. The Church of St. Bartholomew is part of the religious architectural heritage of the city and the Archdiocese of Tangier, which in 2022 had 8 parishes and 2,990 parishioners.