Iglesia de Santa María de la Oliva, Medieval church in Villaviciosa, Spain.
Iglesia de Santa María de la Oliva is a medieval stone church in Villaviciosa featuring a single nave with a rectangular floor plan. It includes a chancel, a sacristy, and an open portico on its south wall.
Construction of the church began in the late 13th century during a transitional period between Romanesque and Gothic architecture in northern Spain. This phase shaped the appearance of many buildings across the region.
The interior displays capitals carved with animal and human faces, along with arches decorated with geometric patterns such as four-petaled designs and zigzag ornaments in various locations.
The church is typically open daily and offers a quiet environment for exploring the interior details. It is worth taking time to study the carved capitals and arches throughout the space.
The west doorway displays four pointed arches supported by decorated columns, creating an elaborate entrance feature. The chancel is divided into two distinct sections by an ornate pointed arch.
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