Santa Maria de Cóll, Romanesque church in la Vall de Boí, Spain
Santa Maria de Cóll is a Romanesque church in la Vall de Boí with a single nave and barrel vaulting supported by two supporting arches. The semi-circular apse sits at the eastern end, and a staircase near the main entrance provides access to a Gothic choir.
Construction began in the early 12th century and was officially consecrated in 1110, during a period of economic growth driven by local silver mining. The bell tower shows a distinct architectural evolution, with its original Romanesque base later topped by two Gothic-style floors.
The entrance displays sculpted capitals with plant motifs and figures showing humans interacting with animals, representing the conflict between good and evil. These details tell small stories that visitors can discover as they enter.
The church sits at an elevation of roughly 1,400 meters, nestled in the mountain landscape. Visitors should be prepared for mountain conditions and variable weather at this altitude.
The bell tower is a rare example of architectural layering, where Romanesque and Gothic elements sit directly on top of each other, making different building phases visually apparent. The transition zone between the two styles is clearly visible when viewed from outside.
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