Hermitage of Santa Cecilia, Romanesque church in Aguilar de Campoo, Spain
The Hermitage of Santa Cecilia is a three-nave stone church built in the Romanesque style characteristic of northern Spain. It displays semicircular arches, thick walls, and decorative carved elements throughout its interior and exterior structure.
The church began as a single-nave structure at the end of the 12th century. In the early 13th century, it underwent major renovation to become the three-nave layout that exists today.
The carved capitals inside display biblical scenes such as the Massacre of the Innocents, with King Herod and soldiers rendered in striking detail. These sculpted stories served to teach religious lessons to visitors who entered the sanctuary.
The church sits on a hillside near Aguilar de Campoo's castle, making it visible from the surrounding landscape. A visit is most easily arranged from the town itself, as the site occupies elevated terrain.
The tower design stands out from many other Romanesque churches in the region, which often had simpler belfries due to budget constraints of the period. This made it a notable construction for its time and location.
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