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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In the Steps of St. Paul, video review

H.V. Morton remains one of the best travels writers of all time. He was the consummate English gentlemen, with a solid perspective, a remarkable grasp of history, and a willingness to plunge into the world at full speed. In 1936, he wrote In the Steps of St. Paul, a travelogue of his journey following the missionary journeys of St. Paul. Here’s my video review.

If you’re planning on traveling to any parts of the world covered in this book, take the time to read it. It will augment your knowledge and make the trip that much more enjoyable. Happy travels!

Published in: on April 27, 2012 at 8:28 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Arch of San Miguel, Spain

The Arch of San Miguel stands in a field at the edge of the town of Sasamón.

It was the entry portico to a 15th Century church that once stood on this spot. A shame the church did not survive. However, the arch is there as a reminder. It’s actually a dramatic sight: the arch, the field beyond, the blou sky above. This was a place for quiet reflection on the march of time. Take a moment to stop and think. It’ll do wonders.

Published in: on July 14, 2010 at 11:39 am  Leave a Comment  
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