Church of Santa María del Azogue
The Church of Santa María del Azogue is an emblematic Romanesque temple with Gothic influences, located in the historic town of Puebla de Sanabria, in the province of Zamora, Castile and Leon, Spain. Located in the highest part of the town, next to the castle, this church is one of the main tourist attractions of the region.
History and Architecture #
Built at the end of the 12th century, the church preserves Romanesque elements in the walls of the nave and in its doorways, which date from the second half of the century. The south door, located under a porch between the tower and the south arm of the transept, presents three recessed semicircular archivolts on jambs, with the outer one decorated with four-petaled flowers and the inner one formed by a nacela between two moldings. The west door is distinguished by its four pointed archivolts, with columns and statues attached in slate and granite stone, highlighting a bearded knight’s head in its keystone.
Interior and Notable Features #
Inside, the wide transept and the polygonal apse, in Gothic style, are covered by starred ribbed vaults. The church houses a 13th-century Romanesque baptismal font, decorated with carved figures that include an angel between two fleur-de-lis crosses. Here you can also find a choir organ, a beautiful 1780 instrument that remained in use until 1930.
In 1995, during restoration work, a surprising sea of funeral tombstones was discovered under the floor of the church, revealing a hidden aspect of the history of the temple. The tower, although not very consistent with the original Romanesque sobriety, adds a distinctive element to the building.
Recognition and Visits #
On February 17, 2022, the Church of Santa María del Azogue was declared a Property of Cultural Interest with the category of monument, recognizing its historical and architectural value. Its location in the Plaza Mayor, near the Castle of Puebla de Sanabria, makes it a must-see for those who wish to explore the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Additional Information #
The temple shows similarities with other churches in the region, including San Pedro de la Mezquita, Santa María de Aciveiro and Santa María de Cambre, in Galicia and northern Portugal, which highlights its importance as part of the Romanesque heritage of the Iberian Peninsula.
Visiting the Church of Santa María del Azogue is an enriching experience for lovers of history, architecture and culture, offering a fascinating glimpse into the stylistic and religious evolution of the region.