Basilica of San Prudencio de Armentia, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain

Basilica of San Prudencio de Armentia is one of the most important Romanesque churches in the region. References during the late Middle Ages describe it as the most important spiritual centre in Álava. The current building is twelfth century Romanesque and has a Latin cross plan, a transept and a semicircular apse.

Originally dedicated to Saint Andrew and built on the remains of an 8th-century church, it was refurbished in 1776, destroying part of its original structure, although it retained its apse and other isolated elements such as its original door. In 1964, it was restored once again and today is considered one of the most important examples of medieval art.

Built with a Latin cross layout, the vaults over the apse and crossing of its two arms are of special interest. The bases of the arches of the second of these vaults contain four sculptures of the evangelists. The capitals of the church are decorated with plant and animal motifs, as well as battle scenes between horsemen and centaurs. Its atrium contains the remains of the original doorway. After being dismantled, stones from the doorway were embedded in the walls in a disorderly fashion: the tympanum of the Lamb and that of Christ with the Apostles and the bas-reliefs of the Harrowing of Hell and the Sepulchre of Jesus, which represents one of the best Romanesque sculptural groups in the Basque Country.

The Basilica contains the image of San Prudencio (Saint Prudence), Bishop of Tarazona and Justice of the Peace in Osma, born in Armentia and Patron Saint of Álava from 1644. On April 28 each year, celebrations are held in his honour in the form of a procession and open-air festival, held on the meadows that surround the church.

St. James's Way crosses the city and exits Vitoria through the district of Armentia. Consequently, this basilica was directly on the pilgrims' route.

References:

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Religious sites in Spain

User Reviews

Alberto Samaniego (2 years ago)
It is preserved in very good condition. And there are no major damages in its sandstone despite the years and being exposed to great changes in temperature and humidity throughout the year, in the fields that are behind its altar it is very typical for the people of Vitoria to gather to enjoy both of the snails and toxic dogs such as the sweet donuts bathed on the top by an important coating of immaculate white matt sugar icing.

Mayte mayte (2 years ago)
Located in a dreamlike setting, we went for a walk through the parks, recommended to visit with great history.

Mariah Villarreal (2 years ago)
It was interesting to learn about this basilica on the website provided by the entrance of the building. What it doesn't explain though is the damage against one of the walls, which was a result of a firing squad during the Civil War. Check it out.

Emi de la Concepción (3 years ago)
Preciosa Basílica del siglo XVII, además está rodeada de todo un paseo y un parque al cual se puede acudir para hacer deporte, o pasar un buen rato

Iñigo Gómez-Acedo (3 years ago)
El lugar es magnífico. Tranquilo para darse un paseo y sentarse un rato.

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