San Juli谩n de los Prados Church, Oviedo
San Juli谩n de los Prados, also known as Santullano, is a Pre-Ramirense church, dating back to the beginning of the 9th century. It is one of the greatest works of Asturian art and was declared a Historic Monument by the Spanish Ministry of Culture in June, 1917 and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on the 2nd of December, 1998. The church's construction was ordered by Alfonso II of Asturias and it was built by the court architect Tioda around 830. It is dedicated to the martyred Egyptian saints Julian and Basilissa.
The spacious church clearly displays the characteristics of its style. It is of basilica plan with a nave and two aisles separated by square piers which support semi-circular arches and with a transept of impressive height. The iconostasis, that separates the sanctuary from the rest of the church is remarkably similar in appearance to a triumphal arch. The size and originality of the church stands out and distinguishes it from works of Visigothic art. However, without doubt, that which most attracts attention to this church is the pictorial decoration, with aniconic frescoes (stucco, very well executed), painted in three layers, with architectural decoration that bears clear Roman influences. Although it appears more a monastic rather than a royal church, a gallery was reserved for the king in the transept. Of the three original entrances to the church, two have been filled in.
The only sculptural decoration that has survived to the present day is that of the marble capitals on which rest the semi-circular arches. There are also two marble flagstones with hexagonal geometric figures and floral motives that are found in the central chapel. The pictorial decoration is the most important element that can be seen in the church. It is without doubt the most important of its time, in its extent and conservation as much as in the variety of icons represented, in all of Western Europe.
The spacious church clearly displays the characteristics of its style. It is of basilica plan with a nave and two aisles separated by square piers which support semi-circular arches and with a transept of impressive height. The iconostasis, that separates the sanctuary from the rest of the church is remarkably similar in appearance to a triumphal arch. The size and originality of the church stands out and distinguishes it from works of Visigothic art. However, without doubt, that which most attracts attention to this church is the pictorial decoration, with aniconic frescoes (stucco, very well executed), painted in three layers, with architectural decoration that bears clear Roman influences. Although it appears more a monastic rather than a royal church, a gallery was reserved for the king in the transept. Of the three original entrances to the church, two have been filled in.
The only sculptural decoration that has survived to the present day is that of the marble capitals on which rest the semi-circular arches. There are also two marble flagstones with hexagonal geometric figures and floral motives that are found in the central chapel. The pictorial decoration is the most important element that can be seen in the church. It is without doubt the most important of its time, in its extent and conservation as much as in the variety of icons represented, in all of Western Europe.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
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San Juli谩n de los Prados Church on Map
Sight Name: San Juli谩n de los Prados Church
Sight Location: Oviedo, Spain (See walking tours in Oviedo)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Oviedo, Spain (See walking tours in Oviedo)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Oviedo, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Oviedo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Oviedo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Oviedo Public Art Walking Tour
Public art adds a great deal of vibrancy and character to the cityscape of Oviedo, Spain, reflecting, among other things, its contemporary spirit. From the bustling Plaza Trascorrales to the serene Plaza Porlier De Oviedo, numerous sculptures have long become an integral part of the neighborhood, captivating passers-by in their numbers.
In Plaza Trascorrales, sculptures like The Fishwife and... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
In Plaza Trascorrales, sculptures like The Fishwife and... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Oviedo Historic Architecture
The north Spanish region of Asturias and particularly its capital city, Oviedo, have long been noted for their unique architecture. The medieval part of town, whose ancient walls are still largely intact, contains some truly priceless relics. Among them is a well called La Foncalada, a fascinating example of an effective hydraulic system, dating back to the first half of the 9th century, based on... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Oviedo Introduction Walking Tour
The Kingdom of Asturias began in 720, with the Visigothic revolt against Muslim rule led by the nobleman Pelagius. At that time, the city of Oviedo did not exist. Two monks, Maximo and Fromestano, founded the city in 761. They built a small church for Saint Vincent on a bare hillside, and from this seed, Oviedo grew.
After Pelagius died in 737, King Alfonso I founded a dynasty in Oviedo that... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
After Pelagius died in 737, King Alfonso I founded a dynasty in Oviedo that... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles