Church of San Lorenzo de Vallejo de Mena, Burgos

The Church of San Lorenzo de Vallejo de Mena is a Romanesque building located in the Valle de Mena region with a semicircular apse divided by eight pillars supporting Lombard-style arches and decorated with five detailed windows around its outer walls. The structure displays typical features of northern Spanish Romanesque design with its characteristic stonework.

Construction of this church took place in the late 12th century when a local noblewoman named Doña Endrequina de Mena donated it to the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. This donation established it as a significant religious center in the region during medieval times.

The three doorways display carved figures including centaurs, knights, pilgrims marked with shells and walking staffs, and biblical scenes such as Adam and Eve. These sculptures show how both worldly and religious themes were woven together in the religious art of this period.

This church stands in a rural valley roughly 110 kilometers northeast of Burgos city and is reachable via the Camino Vallejo road. The remote location makes having your own transportation necessary to visit this site comfortably.

The name San Lorenzo connects this building to an early Christian saint whose veneration runs deep in this region. The choice of this particular patron reflects local religious traditions and shows how this community linked itself to broader medieval faith practices.

Location: Valle de Mena

Inception: 12 century

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

GPS coordinates: 43.08472,-3.30139

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:05