Sasabe, Aragon facts for kids

Sasabe is a small, historic place located near Jaca in the Huesca province of Aragon, Spain. It is known for its ancient church, the Ermita de San Adrián de Sasabe. This site was once a very important religious center, serving as a former bishopric, and is now a special honorary title in the Catholic Church called a titular see.

San Adrián de Sasabe

The Story of Sasabe's Church

The Ermita de San Adrián de Sasabe (which means "Hermitage of Saint Adrian of Sasabe" in Spanish) was an old hermitage or monastery. It was built way back in the 9th century. Today, only the small Romanesque church from that time still stands.

This church was one of three important monasteries near Jaca. The others were San Juan de la Peña and San Pedro de Siresa. These places were homes for the "Bishops of Aragon." These bishops were like traveling leaders of the church. They kept the religious traditions alive after the old Diocese of Huesca was destroyed during the Moorish conquest.

In 922, a new church area, called a bishopric, was created in Sasabe. It was named the Diocese of Sasabe. This new area was separated from the Diocese of Pamplona.

Later, in the 11th century, the church of San Adrián de Sasabe became a cathedral. This meant it was the main church for the bishop. It served as the bishop's seat before the cathedral of Jaca was built.

However, in 1077, the bishopric of Sasabe was closed down. Its territory was then used to create the new Diocese of Jaca.

Important Leaders of Sasabe

During the time it was an active bishopric, several bishops led the church in Sasabe. Here are some of them:

• Ferriolus (around 922)
• Fortuño (933–947)
• Aureolus (971–978)
• Atón (around 981)
• Mancius (1011? – 1036)
• Garcia (1036–1057)
• Sancho (1058–1075)

Sasabe Today: A Special Title

In 1969, the old Diocese of Sasabe was given a new, honorary role. It was brought back as a Titular bishopric of Sasabe. This means that Sasabe is no longer an active church area with its own bishop. Instead, the title "Bishop of Sasabe" is given to bishops who serve in other important roles, often helping a main bishop or working in the Vatican. It's like a special historical recognition.

Here are some of the people who have held this honorary title:

• Santo Bergamo (1969–1971)
• Alphonse Gallegos (1981–1991)
• Julián Barrio Barrio (1992–1996)
• Juan José Omella Omella (1996–1999)
• Giacomo Guido Ottonello (1999–present)

Gallery

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  The outside of the church

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  The back part of the church, called the apse

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  A close-up of the apse

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  Inside the church

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  A stone carving (capital) with plant designs

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  Another stone carving (capital)

See also

In Spanish: Monasterio de San Adrián de Sásave para niños