Church of San Salvador de Priesca facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of the Holy Saviour of Priesca |
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Iglesia de San Salvador de Priesca
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Church |
| Year consecrated | 921 |
| Location | |
| Location | Villaviciosa (Asturias), Spain |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Architectural style | Pre-Romanesque |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | ii, iv, vi |
| Designated | 1993 (17th session) |
| Parent listing | Routes of Santiago de Compostela: Camino Francés and Routes of Northern Spain |
| Reference no. | 669bis-013 |
| Region | Europe and North America |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Monument |
| 5 February 1913 | |
| RI-51-0000127 | |
The Church of the Holy Saviour of Priesca (which is Iglesia de San Salvador de Priesca in Spanish) is an old Roman Catholic church. You can find it in Priesca, a small place near Villaviciosa in Asturias, northern Spain.
This church is a great example of Pre-Romanesque architecture from the Asturian region. It is one of the last churches built in this special style. It is also quite close to another famous church, the Church of San Salvador de Valdediós.
Contents
Asturian Pre-Romanesque Architecture
Asturian Pre-Romanesque architecture is a unique style of building that developed in the Kingdom of Asturias in northern Spain. This was before the Romanesque style became popular across Europe.
This style is known for its strong, simple shapes and often features interesting decorations. Churches built in this way often have a special feel, different from later, more ornate styles.
History and Design of the Church
The Church of the Holy Saviour of Priesca was officially opened on September 24, 921. It was built during a time when the Kingdom of Asturias was changing. After King Alfonso III passed away, his kingdom was divided among his sons. This period marked the final stage of Asturian Pre-Romanesque architecture.
The church's design was inspired by earlier important churches. One of its main influences was the Church of San Julián de los Prados. This means it shares some similar building ideas and decorative styles.
Changes Over Time
Like many old buildings, the Church of Priesca has been changed and fixed up over the centuries. In the 1600s and 1700s, some parts of the church were rebuilt. For example, areas next to the entrance were changed to connect better with the side aisles.
Sadly, in 1936, during a difficult time in Spain, the original roof of the church caught fire. Even though the roof was damaged, most of the beautiful carved decorations and original paintings inside the church were saved. This means we can still see much of its ancient beauty today.
See Also
- Asturian art
- Catholic Church in Spain
Sources
