Church of Santa Maria de Siones, Burgos Facts for Kids

The church of Santa Maria de Siones

The Church of Santa Maria de Siones is a very old and important church in the Valley of Mena, a beautiful area in Spain. It's part of the Province of Burgos. We know this church has been around since at least the year 1001!

In 1931, it was named a National Monument because it's so special. It's one of the best examples of Romanesque churches in the Valley of Mena. Romanesque is a style of building that was popular a long, long time ago, around the 11th and 12th centuries. Even though some changes were made in the 1800s, this church is still a wonderful place to visit and learn about history.

What Does the Church Look Like?
- The Main Shape
- Chapels and Entrances
Inside the Church: Amazing Art
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What Does the Church Look Like?

The Church of Santa Maria de Siones was built in the typical Romanesque style. This means it has a simple, strong design.

The Main Shape

The church has a single, rounded part at the eastern end. This rounded section is called an apse. It's where the altar is usually found. The main part of the church, where people sit, is long and rectangular. This style is called basilical.

Chapels and Entrances

On each side of the main hall, called the nave, there are two smaller rooms. These are like small chapels. The church has two ways to get inside. One entrance is on the western side, and the other is on the southern side.

Inside the Church: Amazing Art

The inside of the church is full of interesting sculptures. Even though they might not look perfectly smooth or detailed, they tell stories and show strong feelings.

Southern Chapel's Stories

In the chapel on the southern side, you can see a stone carving of Santa Juliana. She is shown pulling the hair of a kneeling devil! This carving is very dramatic. The tops of the columns, called capitals, in this area have many different designs. You might see demons or strange, fantastic animals carved into them. There's even a charming carving of a face that seems to be peeking out from a stone support.

Northern Chapel's Scenes

The northern chapel also has fascinating capitals. One shows knights fighting, which is carved very well. Other capitals in this chapel also show battle scenes. On the western side of this chapel, there's a carving that might show scenes from the Bible, like when Christ was tempted.

The Apse's Decorations

The rounded apse at the eastern end of the church is beautifully decorated. It has two levels of arches that don't open up, called blind arcades. The columns, arches, and capitals here are very fancy. Some carvings show stories from the Old Testament, like Adam and Eve, or the famous fight between David and Goliath. You can also see scenes of people harvesting grapes, along with various animals and even some mythical monsters.