Church of Saint Martin of Tours, Romanesque church in Frómista, Spain.
The Church of Saint Martin of Tours is a Romanesque place of worship in Frómista, Spain, built from dimension stone and listed as both a World Heritage Site and an endangered heritage item. The basilica layout features three naves with columns, semicircular apses and an octagonal dome above the crossing.
Queen Mayor of Castile commissioned the construction during the second half of the 11th century as part of a Benedictine monastery. The monastery disappeared over time while the church remained along the Way of Saint James.
The name honors Martin of Tours, a 4th-century soldier who became a bishop and was venerated throughout medieval Europe. Over 300 carved corbels show faces, animals and mythical creatures that pilgrims have observed along their journey for centuries.
The church stands directly on the pilgrimage route in Palencia province and opens its doors daily to visitors. Religious services take place regularly, so checking times helps if you want to explore the interior quietly.
The exterior walls display an unusual checkered stone pattern at several points, dating back to the Romanesque building tradition of the Palencia region. This decoration repeats at different heights and gives the building a rhythmic structure.
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