Hermitage of Saint Peter, Romanesque church in Merindad de Valdivielso, Spain.
The Hermitage of Saint Peter is a Romanesque church of tan and grey ashlar masonry set on a grassy rise. Its west facade has a large recessed round archway over a dark wooden double door, a carved band above the arch, and a small round-headed window higher up. A cylindrical turret with slit openings adjoins the south wall, and a square tower with two arched openings and a red-tiled roof rises over the crossing.
This structure was built in the 12th century as part of the San Pedro de Tejada monastery founded in the 9th century. It was later taken over by San Salvador de Oña, marking a shift in monastic control of the site.
The entrance portal displays carved details showing the four Evangelists and scenes of the Last Supper alongside symbolic battles. These elements reveal how medieval builders expressed their faith through stone decoration.
Visitors must arrange access in advance since the building sits on private land. It is best to contact local contacts beforehand to organize a visit time.
In November 2024, Spanish police recovered the Adoration of the Kings, a relief stolen from the north wall of the presbytery in 1935. The piece had been missing for nearly ninety years before it was returned to the hermitage.
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