Romanesque churches in the Liébana Valley

Sta Maria de LiebeńaAmong the folds of the valley of Liébana in Cantabria’s south west corner, under the soaring peaks of the Picos de Europa National Park, you can find some real gems of Spanish medieval architecture. These beautiful churches, simple, yet with ornate details, are all the more beautiful for their mountain settings and all the more fascinating for having been built at a time when most of Spain was Moorish.

Our friend and Casas regular Dave Craig (a particular fan of casa La Mata in Pesaguero)  has been kind enough to share with us his wonderful collection of photo’s taken on his visit to the area in September

The churches featured:

San Martín de ToricesSan Martín de Torices. Not so famous as a church but in a lovely location. Torices is a pleasant sleepy little village and there are stunning views of the Andara Massif on the drive back down to Cabezon.

 

 

Sta Maria de LiebeńaSta Maria de Lebeña. Pre-Romanesque church in the Mozarabic style with origins dating as far back as 925. Marking the entrance to the valley of Liébana, off to the left on the drive up the Hermida gorge from the coast. Very pretty, in a wonderful setting – unfortunately you can’t take photographs inside but there is a guide.

Sta María la Real de Piasca

 

Sta María la Real de Piasca. Romanesque church from the 12th century. A national monument since 1930 and as Dave says  ‘A little jewel’ – there is a guide available.

 

Pesaguero

Iglesia de Pesaguero. On the way up to Piedras Lenguas (the mountain pass out towards Palencia) from Potes. Not so famous but a beautiful spot and Dave’s home from home.

San Fecundo y San Primitivo, Silió

 

San Fecundo y San Primitivo, in Silió.  –  12th century church famed for its capitals and ornate eaves –  actually not in the Liébana valley but between Torrelavega and Palencia – well worth the trip!

 

 

 

 

Click here or on the images below to see all the photo’s on Flickr

Sta Maria de LiebeńaSta Maria de LiebeńaSta Maria de LiebeńaSta Maria de LiebeńaSta Maria de LiebeńaSta Maria de Liebeńa
Sta Maria de LiebeńaSta Maria de LiebeńaSta Maria de LiebeńaSta Maria de LiebeńaSta Maria de LiebeńaSan Martín de Torices
San Martín de ToricesSan Fecundo y San Primitivo, SilióSan Fecundo y San Primitivo, SilióSan Fecundo y San Primitivo, SilióSan Fecundo y San Primitivo, SilióSan Fecundo y San Primitivo, Silió
San Fecundo y San Primitivo, SilióSan Fecundo y San Primitivo, SilióSan Fecundo y San Primitivo, SilióSan Fecundo y San Primitivo, SilióPeasguero from Casa la MataSta María la Real de Piasca

Romanesque in the Liebana Valley, a set on Flickr.

Thanks Dave!

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