Church of Santa Maria de Arbas, Villamanín, Spain

Church of Santa Maria de Arbas is a good example of late León romanesque, built during the 12th and 13th centuries. It once belonged to the regular order of Saint Agustin. The church has three naves and four pillars supporting the round arches that separate the naves.

It was officially founded in the 12th century by the Count Fruela, El Cid's brother in law.It was ruled as a Colegiata (Collegiate Church) and a Hospedería (Hostelry) by the Augustine monks.As a result of its decline, it became a simple parish church. It was restored after the Civil War. The building consists of fine grey limestone blocks. The gothic chapel was added later, in the 12th century. The sacristy, the tower, the portico and the vaulting of the main nave date from the 17th century.

References:

Castile and Leon tourism

Religious sites in Spain

User Reviews

Monica Aller (5 months ago)
I think it is a very good initiative that it is open and can be visited quietly. It is located in Arbás del Puerto, near the top of Pajares. And his style is late romantic.

J.R. Llano (7 months ago)
A little-recognized wonder on a path full of a difficult history to unite Asturias with León and the plateau.

Germán R.Valtuille (Valtu.21) (9 months ago)
I was delighted with the visit. Magical place, very peaceful. It takes you back to the past and its history full of anecdotes like that of the bear and the ox. Also the architect who got involved and made it possible for us to now enjoy this abbey. The donation is more than justified THANKS TO THE ASSOCIATION FOR THOSE OPEN DOORS.

Leon Rampante (9 months ago)
Romanesque church located between Asturias and Leon. Take the opportunity to visit it if you see it open (it is not every day). Legend has it that during its construction, a bear killed one of the oxen destined to transport the stone. The animal was punished to replace the beast he had killed. The bear docilely carried out his task under the yoke and next to the other ox. For this reason, both animals are represented on the cover of the western side of the collegiate church.

Rosa MARIA RODRÍGUEZ MENENDEZ (11 months ago)
Descending from the Puerto de Pajares, we did not find this gift from the Collegiate Church. Its origin was a hospital for pilgrims on their way to Oviedo, whose foundation is attributed to the Leonese count Fruela Díaz and his wife Estefanía Sánchez. From León, a city through which the so-called French Way of Santiago passes, in late Romanesque style. My visit was free.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Following Hadrian

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.

Church of Santa Maria de Arbas

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople