Santa María

The Santa María is a pre-Romanesque Asturian building located on the slope of Mount Naranco, situated 3 kilometres from Oviedo, northern Spain.

History

• Built as a royal palace by Ramiro I of Asturias in 842, the complex also incorporated the nearby church of San Miguel de Lillo. The palace was consecrated in 848 and had religious functions.
• Their structural features, such as barrel vaults with transverse ribs corresponding to contraforts at the exterior, make it a precursor of Romanesque construction.

Architecture

The Santa María is an exemplary representation of pre-Romanesque Asturian architecture. The building's structural features, including stilted arches and vertical composition, demonstrate its significance in the development of Romanesque style. The use of barrel vaults with transverse ribs adds to its architectural importance.

Location

The Santa María is situated on the slope of Mount Naranco, 3 kilometres from Oviedo, northern Spain. Its address is Carretera Alto de Piedrafita - Sobrerriba.

Denomination and Religious Significance

As a pre-Romanesque Asturian building, the Santa María holds significant importance in the history of Christianity in Spain. The church's construction as a royal palace with religious functions underscores its role in the country's early Christian heritage.

Notable Features

• The Santa María features notable architectural elements, including stilted arches and vertical composition.
• Its structural features demonstrate its significance in the development of Romanesque style.

Organ and Bells

Information on the church's organ and bells is not available.

Heritage Status

Declared a Monumento Nacional on 24 January 1885, the Santa María was classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural in June 1985. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in December 1985.

Visiting Information

The church's opening hours and accessibility information are not available.

Notable Artworks or Relics

Information on notable artworks or relics is not available.