Church of San Lorenzo de Vallejo de Mena, Burgos Facts for Kids

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The church of San Lorenzo

The Church of San Lorenzo is an old and beautiful church. You can find it in Valle de Mena, a small village in the Valley of Mena. This area is part of Las Merindades in the Province of Burgos, Spain.

Historians believe the church was built a long time ago. It probably started in the late 1100s. The main rounded part, called the apse, was built first. Then, in the early 1200s, the rest of the church, called the nave, was finished.

An old writing inside the church tells us something important. It says the land was given to the Order of Saint John Hospitallers. These were like medieval knights who helped people and ran hospitals.

Exploring the Church Building
- Entrances and Doors
- Decorations on the Outside
Inside the Church
Gallery
See also

Exploring the Church Building

The Church of San Lorenzo was built in the Romanesque style. This was a popular way to build churches in Europe around 900 to 1200 AD. It often used thick walls, round arches, and strong, simple shapes.

The church has a main hall, called a nave. At the eastern end, there is a rounded section called an apse. This is where the altar is usually found.

Entrances and Doors

This church has three different ways to enter. The main door is on the western side of the building. Another door is on the south side. There is also a smaller door on the northern side.

Decorations on the Outside

The main entrance on the western side is very fancy. It has a slightly pointed arch with four layers of decoration. These layers are called archivolts. They are covered with carvings of plants, strange animals, and monsters. Each decorated layer rests on a carved stone top, called a capital. These capitals sit on columns that are partly attached to the wall.

The apse, the rounded part at the back, also has amazing decorations. It is divided into five sections by four columns. Each column has a carved capital on top. In each section, there is a narrow window. Above each window, there is a small arcade with three arches. The carvings here show plants, animals, and even people.

Inside the Church

The inside of the Church of San Lorenzo is also very detailed. You will find many sculptures on the tops of the columns. The areas around the windows are also richly decorated with carvings.