Romanesque in the Montaña Alavesa
Montaña Alavesa’s Romanesque churches stand out for their structural high quality and varied typology. Few kilometres along the region, different and greatly preserved temples await. Indeed, the small and modest hermitages contrast the large churches built by the best workshops.
For the present tour in the Montaña Alavesa, we bring you some of the main Romanesque churches of the region. Come and discover how the influence of the Sanctuary of Estibaliz reached the town of Markinez. Follow the footsteps of the workshops that went through the mountains and reach the elegant façades of Cicujano, Maeztu and Leorza. The last stop will be in Virgala Mayor, one of the most successful examples of Montaña Alavesa’s Late Romanesque.
Digitally opened churches
Beheading of John the Baptist church (Cicujano)
Nowadays, Cicujano is a little town located in the Laminoria Valley. The church is a big building that concentrates several art movements. Indeed, even if most of the building has a Romanesque origin, it has been modified following different styles over time.
Saint Euphemia’s church (Leorza)
Elortza herria lur malkartsuetan dago, Laminoria Errege Haranaren bukaeran eta Musitu ibaiaren ertzean. Parrokiaren kanpoaldean hainbat eraikuntza fase desberdindu ditzakegu. Adibidez, XVI. mendeko zatia edota bere nabe erromanikoa.
Hermitage of Our Lady of the Fields (Maeztu)
The Romanesque hermitage was built in the second half of the 12th century. Its most important gem is the façade, which states the high-level technique and creativity of the workshops that worked in Maeztu.
Our Lady of the Solitude’s church (Atauri)
Following the green belt that connects the town of Atauri with Maeztu, a simple Romanesque hermitage raises in the landscape. Nowadays, it still has one of the oldest heads from the region and the original façade.
Saint John’s hermitage (Markinez)
The hermitage of Saint John has a greatly preserved nave with semi-circular head. Besides, the high sculptural quality of its large windows, façade and other decorative elements prove the skill the workshops had.