Santa María

The Santa María church is a pre-Romanesque Asturian building located on the slope of Mount Naranco in Alcanadre, Spain.

History

• The church was ordered to be built by Ramiro I of Asturias as part of a larger complex that included the nearby church of San Miguel de Lillo. The palace was completed in 842 and had a religious function, being consecrated in 848.
• Its structural features, including barrel vaults with transverse ribs and stilted arches, mark it as an early precursor to Romanesque construction.

Architecture

The Santa María church is notable for its unique architectural style, which blends pre-Romanesque and Romanesque elements. The exterior decorations and use of stilted arches emphasize the verticality of the composition.

Location

The church is situated on the slope of Mount Naranco, 3 kilometres from Oviedo, in the town of Alcanadre, Spain. The address is Calle de las Cruces.

Denomination and Religious Significance

The Santa María church is a Catholic place of worship and is part of the Asturian heritage.

Notable Features

• The palace was completed in 842 and had a religious function.
• The structural features, including barrel vaults with transverse ribs and stilted arches, mark it as an early precursor to Romanesque construction.
• The church was declared a Monumento Nacional on January 24, 1885.

Organ and Bells

Information on the organ and bells of the Santa María church is not available.

Heritage Status

• The church was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in December 1985. It was also classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural in June 1985.

Visiting Information

• Opening Hours: Not specified.
• Accessibility: Not specified.

Notable Artworks or Relics

Information on notable artworks or relics is not available.