Santa María del Naranco, Oviedo, Spain

For many years, I looked at photos of Santa María del Naranco, the church that stands on a hill a few miles outside of Oviedo, Spain. It’s not the grandest of buildings but it does represent a significant example of pre-Romanesque architecture.

Santa María del Naranco, Oviedo, Spain.

Santa María del Naranco, Oviedo, Spain.

It was build in the 800’s, and to have remained standing all these years is testament to the ingenuity of it’s masons. The detailed carving is quite impressive as well:

Detail of entrance to Santa María del Naranco, Oviedo, Spain.

Detail of entrance to Santa María del Naranco, Oviedo, Spain.

When you visit this site, wear sturdy shoes and bring a bottle of water. The climb from the parking lot to the church is a steep grade over a paved path. The view from this hill can be astounding on a clear day as you see from the panoramic photo below. Click on it for full size:

View from Santa María del Naranco, Oviedo, Spain.

View from Santa María del Naranco, Oviedo, Spain.

I was glad to have finally seen this place in person. It was a bit of exercise, but worth the effort. While traveling, sometimes its not the most popular or largest of site, but rather the smaller more poignant ones that make the biggest impression.

Published in: on July 1, 2014 at 12:26 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar, Spain

The Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar was built by the Augustinians who took over a former Benedictine monastery. In this first photo, you see the lines of the main structure built in the Romanesque style:

Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar, Spain.

Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar, Spain.

Surely in it’s time, it was an imposing building and it still dominates the town today. Going inside the grounds, you’ll find a very pleasant cloister.

View from inside the cloister at the Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar, Spain.

View from inside the cloister at the Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar, Spain.

The columns in this cloister are carved with various religious symbols.

Column detail at Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar, Spain.

Column detail at Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar, Spain.

And many are covered with vines.

Another view in the cloister of the Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar, Spain.

Another view in the cloister of the Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar, Spain.

Going into the church itself you find an impressive altar piece from the 15th century depicting the martyrdom of Saint Juliana.

15th Century altar piece at the Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar, Spain.

15th Century altar piece at the Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar, Spain.

As well as this stone tomb for the saint’s remains:

Saint Juliana at the Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar, Spain.

Saint Juliana at the Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar, Spain.

Not to mention a powerful set of pipes for the organ:

Organ pipes at the Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar, Spain.

Organ pipes at the Collegiate Church of Santillana del Mar, Spain.

The walk through this church is a step back in time. Within its cool environs you’ll find a sense of dignity and piety that may be lacking at times in larger, busier cathedrals. As always, enter with respect and take your time to absorb the many details that fill this holy place.

 

Published in: on June 27, 2014 at 10:04 am  Leave a Comment  
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Driving to Alta Vista Chapel, Aruba

The Alta Vista Chapel is a tranquil site to visit here in Aruba. The little building sits on a bluff overlooking the sea, perfectly proportioned and quite charming for photographs. Here’s a video showing how to drive there as well as a look inside the chapel itself. I also include a few historical notes about the site.

Alta Vista sees plenty of visitors, especially during the busy season. However, it remains an endearing site. Please treat it with respect. Bon dia.

Published in: on March 1, 2012 at 12:02 am  Comments (3)  
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Sasamón, Spain

Sasamón, Spain features a magnificent “little” cathedral that you would not expect in this location. The town is quite small but on the Road to Santiago and therefore a stopover for pilgrims both presently and in days gone by. I call this a “little” cathedral because it has all the features of larger examples. The correct name is Santa María la Real.

The scene above gives a sweeping introduction to both the town and the church. You see the fountain there and if you were able to turn around, you’d be looking at the ayuntamiento, or government house. The gateway and yard beyond beckons the traveler to the church in the background. The church went through several iterations as it grew or was remodeled. You can see remnants of the different styles as you amble about the grounds.

In the cloister, you’ll find examples of cut stone artistry, still standing centuries after it was put in place. Inside are tableaus like this one.

A dramatic altar piece…

…and in the choir loft a well-played organ.

…and a baptismal font with fine carvings, too…

In particular, note the sleeping dogs around the base. Then have a gander at the pulpit, also of carved stone.

Again, there must have been hundreds of masons and no shortage of master craftsman pounding hammers and chisels all day long to build structures like this. It wasn’t the only church in town either, there were three, two of which survive. While walking through this church, we were the only ones present. Having a site like this to yourself is another honor. Enjoy it and be respectful.

Published in: on July 11, 2010 at 11:42 am  Leave a Comment  
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