Santa Cristina de Lena

Santa Cristina de Lena

Santa Cristina de Lena

Santa Cristina de Lena rises in a privileged setting, overlooking the landscape from a hillside above the Lena River valley. Isolated among mountains and nature, this pre-Romanesque church is part of the monumental complex of the Kingdom of Asturias, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 9th century, it is closely linked to the Ramirense period, sharing architectural features with buildings such as Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo. Santa Cristina de Lena stands out for its cruciform floor plan, unusual in Asturian architecture. It consists of five quadrangular sections, defined by transverse arches supported by a blind arcade running along the side walls. The main nave is the largest section. The barrel vault, supported by transverse arches and buttresses, is a defining feature of the building. The narthex and the iconostasis, formed by three stone arches resting on four marble columns with capitals, separate the presbytery from the main nave. The sculptural decoration in relief, with Visigothic and Asturian motifs, is another remarkable aspect of the temple. The elevated altar and the triple arcade separating the sacred space from the congregation reflect the Hispanic liturgy of the time. Every year, on the last Sunday of July, a traditional pilgrimage is held outside the temple, featuring a mass in honor of Saint Christina. After the mass, the traditional Asturian auction known as la puya'l ramu takes place, bringing together residents from nearby villages and farmhouses. Santa Cristina de Lena is located in an area of great historical and geographical importance, near the ancient Roman settlement of Mamorana in Vega'l Ciegu. Its construction is considered to have followed immediately after that of the palace of Santa María del Naranco, within the same chronological framework of the reigns of Ramiro I and Ordoño I. The church differs from other pre-Romanesque buildings, particularly in its cruciform floor plan and the use of repurposed elements from the 7th century, such as capitals and latticework. The relief decoration and structural elements reflect a rich blend of Asturian and Visigothic influences, and the Adoptionist controversy regarding the Trinitarian nature of divinity is a recurring theme in its iconography. Santa Cristina de Lena is a living testament to the rich historical and cultural heritage of Asturias. Its location, architecture, and the dedication to its preservation make it an essential destination for any visitor to the region. Don`t miss the opportunity to explore this unique monument and immerse yourself in the history of Asturian pre-Romanesque art.

Santa Cristina de Lena rises in a privileged setting, overlooking the landscape from a hillside above the Lena River valley. Isolated among mountains and nature, this pre-Romanesque church is part of the monumental complex of the Kingdom of Asturias, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 9th century, it is closely linked to the Ramirense period, sharing architectural features with buildings such as Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo. Santa Cristina de Lena stands out for its cruciform floor plan, unusual in Asturian architecture. It consists of five quadrangular sections, defined by transverse arches supported by a blind arcade running along the side walls. The main nave is the largest section. The barrel vault, supported by transverse arches and buttresses, is a defining feature of the building. The narthex and the iconostasis, formed by three stone arches resting on four marble columns with capitals, separate the presbytery from the main nave. The sculptural decoration in relief, with Visigothic and Asturian motifs, is another remarkable aspect of the temple. The elevated altar and the triple arcade separating the sacred space from the congregation reflect the Hispanic liturgy of the time. Every year, on the last Sunday of July, a traditional pilgrimage is held outside the temple, featuring a mass in honor of Saint Christina. After the mass, the traditional Asturian auction known as la puya'l ramu takes place, bringing together residents from nearby villages and farmhouses. Santa Cristina de Lena is located in an area of great historical and geographical importance, near the ancient Roman settlement of Mamorana in Vega'l Ciegu. Its construction is considered to have followed immediately after that of the palace of Santa María del Naranco, within the same chronological framework of the reigns of Ramiro I and Ordoño I. The church differs from other pre-Romanesque buildings, particularly in its cruciform floor plan and the use of repurposed elements from the 7th century, such as capitals and latticework. The relief decoration and structural elements reflect a rich blend of Asturian and Visigothic influences, and the Adoptionist controversy regarding the Trinitarian nature of divinity is a recurring theme in its iconography. Santa Cristina de Lena is a living testament to the rich historical and cultural heritage of Asturias. Its location, architecture, and the dedication to its preservation make it an essential destination for any visitor to the region. Don`t miss the opportunity to explore this unique monument and immerse yourself in the history of Asturian pre-Romanesque art.

Santa Cristina de Lena rises in a privileged setting, overlooking the landscape from a hillside above the Lena River valley. Isolated among mountains and nature, this pre-Romanesque church is part of the monumental complex of the Kingdom of Asturias, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 9th century, it is closely linked to the Ramirense period, sharing architectural features with buildings such as Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo. Santa Cristina de Lena stands out for its cruciform floor plan, unusual in Asturian architecture. It consists of five quadrangular sections, defined by transverse arches supported by a blind arcade running along the side walls. The main nave is the largest section. The barrel vault, supported by transverse arches and buttresses, is a defining feature of the building. The narthex and the iconostasis, formed by three stone arches resting on four marble columns with capitals, separate the presbytery from the main nave. The sculptural decoration in relief, with Visigothic and Asturian motifs, is another remarkable aspect of the temple. The elevated altar and the triple arcade separating the sacred space from the congregation reflect the Hispanic liturgy of the time. Every year, on the last Sunday of July, a traditional pilgrimage is held outside the temple, featuring a mass in honor of Saint Christina. After the mass, the traditional Asturian auction known as la puya'l ramu takes place, bringing together residents from nearby villages and farmhouses. Santa Cristina de Lena is located in an area of great historical and geographical importance, near the ancient Roman settlement of Mamorana in Vega'l Ciegu. Its construction is considered to have followed immediately after that of the palace of Santa María del Naranco, within the same chronological framework of the reigns of Ramiro I and Ordoño I. The church differs from other pre-Romanesque buildings, particularly in its cruciform floor plan and the use of repurposed elements from the 7th century, such as capitals and latticework. The relief decoration and structural elements reflect a rich blend of Asturian and Visigothic influences, and the Adoptionist controversy regarding the Trinitarian nature of divinity is a recurring theme in its iconography. Santa Cristina de Lena is a living testament to the rich historical and cultural heritage of Asturias. Its location, architecture, and the dedication to its preservation make it an essential destination for any visitor to the region. Don`t miss the opportunity to explore this unique monument and immerse yourself in the history of Asturian pre-Romanesque art.

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