Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor, Romanesque church in Toro, Spain
The Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor is a Romanesque church with three naves intersected by a transept and crowned by a remarkable dome. The building is constructed from limestone and reddish sandstone, creating a distinctive color blend.
The church was founded in 1170 under King Ferdinand II of León and required several decades to complete. Its design drew influence from Zamora Cathedral, creating architectural parallels between the two buildings.
The main portal displays carved figures depicting Christ and the Virgin Mary alongside scenes from sacred texts. The sculptures give visitors a direct sense of how medieval craftsmen turned religious stories into stone.
Visitors will find a museum inside with religious objects and artworks from different periods. It is worth taking time to observe the details on the portals and in the altar area, as these are rich in craftsmanship.
The Portico of Majesty contains detailed colorful sculptures depicting scenes from the Virgin Mary's life. These carvings were carefully restored over many years to recover their original colors and details.
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