Romanesque in Spain -- helpful websites
 

I don't know how many fodorites are big fans of romanesque architecture, but ribeirasacra and I had a conversation on another thread, and I thought it might be helpful for me to post this separately.

I have found several web sites that provide lots of information and pictures about romanesque (and frequently pre-romanesque, visigothic, etc) churches throughout Spain. Many of them are in spectacular settings and off the beaten tourist path. I have found by using these websites that I can frequently identify places that are an easy detour off my planned route. I have been to some incredible places that way, and if architecture is one of your travel interests, you might find these sites helpful. Northern Spain tends to have more of the really old stuff, but for instance, I just realized that in a few weeks I will be about 3 1/2 km from the 7th century visigothic church Santa Lucia del Trampal outside of Alcuescar, which is way down in Extremadura.

These are the sites I have found most helpful.

http://www.turismo-prerromanico.es/

http://www.arquivoltas.com/ What I really like about this site is that if you click on "mapas activas", it will bring up a click-able map of Spain and it's easy to find sites to visit that way.

http://www.romanicozamorano.com/ Even though this one is titled "Romanico Zamorano" there is a lot of info about churches in other parts of the country (and other countries) as well.

Happy travels, Laurie

Check out also the Romanesque churches in the provinces of Palencia and Soria (Castile).

I am not going to tell anybody MY secrets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Ok the area I live in is said to be the greatest concentration of Romanesque art in Europe, I cannot find out if that is true or not.
I once looked inside a small abandoned building, of a few square metres and saw the footings of Romanesque columns. So I can believe this claim.
I have some information on my website but I will not post it as it may be considered advertising.
Here are some form my favs.

http://www.artemedievale.net/
http://www.amigosdelromanico.org/
http://www.amigosdelromanico.org/
http://www.amigosdelromanico.org/phpBB/index.php
http://www.circuloromanico.com/
http://www.soriaromanica.es/es/portada/
http://www.romaniconorte.org/es/portada/
http://www.astragalo.net/
http://www.flickr.com/groups/romanesque_sculpture/
http://romaniconagallaecia.blogspot.com/
http://www.romanicoaragones.com/
http://www.udc.es/dep/rta/WebRyTA/Mo...pagalicia.html

Thanks for posting, Laurie! You're always so helpful and full of new information!

And thanks for posting your "secrets" ribeirasacra!

Many thanks for sharing the info,romanesque architecture is one of the themes I travel around Europe for.

One SIL, who for years was fascinated with Romanesque design and incorporated it into her painting will partake in a one week walking tour of Soria this fall.

Thanks for these posts, some of those sites have great info and pictures, ribeirasacra.

Revulgo and Aduchamp1, do you know which of the churches in Soria and Palencia are the "not to be missed" ones that should go to the top of my list? I've been in the Burgo de Osma (Soria) and Fromista (Palencia) but that's about it. When I look at the maps, though, there are so many choices, I don't know where to start. Maybe I should plan a Soria-Burgos-Palencia romanesque trip. Thanks, Laurie

Looking through another forum, about wildlife and found this link.
http://www.jdiezarnal.com/sanmigueldeescalada.html
Now going back to finding out about frogs!

Hi, ribeirasacra,

That is one heck of a beautiful church. It's in between Leon and Mansilla de las Mulas, and I visited it the last time I walked the Camino Frances. Actually, Rebekah from Moratinos (a well known Camino blogger, well known to us camino addicts, that is)and her husband came and picked me up in Leon and they drove me out to see it. It, like many of these old churches, is in the middle of nowhere. But it is really stunning, the arches inside just make you sit and wonder.

Laurie

Lreynolds

I ma sure Ribeir knows but I will ask my SIL. Here is the escorted walking tour she will be taking.

http://www.spanishfootsteps.com/inde...action=guides1

She is not going until September so I cannot relate her impressions.

I had to think about SIL...for a few mins...I am slow...The Spanish steps website looks good. Now you have linked to them they will know they are going to be written about!
I have been around Soria many many years ago. The car broke down (as do all English cars) so the day in the city was spent in and around a garage.
This conversation makes be believe that there is far too much to see in Spain.

I like to visit the many prerromanesque churches and burials in the Valderredible region (the biggest valley of Cantabria, in the south), full of "cave churches", some of them with incredible paintings. Also, check the cave church of San Bernabé, near the Ojo Guareña karstic hole that swallows the river...amazing (north of Burgos and close to Cantabria and Basque Country).