Church of Santa María, Ujué, Romanesque-Gothic church in Ujué, Spain
The Church of Santa María in Ujué blends Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements with fortification features including crenellated towers and thick stone walls. The structure rises prominently above the village and functions as both a sanctuary and a defensive stronghold.
Construction began in 1094 and continued through the 14th century, when King Carlos II added fortification features and had his heart entombed there. These changes transformed the site from a place of worship into a strategically important location.
The 12th-century statue of the Virgin of Ujué holds deep meaning for the community and becomes the focus of annual processions each April. Visitors can sense the reverence people have for this sculpture during their visit.
The church sits on a hilltop above the village and is reached by a walk uphill from the town center. Plan enough time for the visit and to enjoy the views across the surrounding countryside.
A fortified walkway along the roofline offers panoramic views across the Navarre region, evidence of how this church once served as a watchtower. This vantage point was part of the site's defensive strategy.
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