History and origins: a medieval testimony
Time and the hand of man have transformed its original appearance. Over the centuries, the building has undergone successive reforms: in the 18th century the bell gable was added, while in the 19th and 20th centuries side chapels, the portico and the baptistery were added, altering its primitive structure. Even so, its Romanesque essence survives, especially in its western façade, where the Its most unique element: the sculpted tympanum, a rarity in medieval Asturian architecture.
The tympanum of San Juan de Priorio: a unique work in Asturias
The Romanesque portal, sheltered by the portico built in the 20th century, is the jewel of the complex. Its historical tympanum represents Christ in Majesty, the Pantocrator, surrounded by the Tetramorph, that is, the four evangelists symbolized by the eagle of St. John, the lion of St. Mark, the bull of St. Luke and the angel of St. MatthewTwo angels float above the scene, adding a celestial air to the composition. The image is framed by four archivolts resting on vegetal capitals and spiral-decorated shafts, another unusual element in Asturian Romanesque art.
This may not be the most spectacular Romanesque tympanum you've ever seen, but there's something very special about it: It is the only sculpted Romanesque tympanum preserved in Asturias., and reflects the influence of international Romanesque, possibly brought by the pilgrims of the Camino de SantiagoIt is not surprising, then, that San Juan de Priorio is located a short distance from the Jacobean route of the Camino del Norte, confirming its relationship with the medieval pilgrim phenomenon.
Architectural and decorative elements: a legacy of centuries
Despite the renovations that have modified its original structure, the church retains notable elements of its Romanesque past. Its Latin cross plan with a semicircular head reveals the medieval layout, although later extensions have blurred its original silhouette.
Inside the temple, the triumphal arch that separates the nave from the apse stands out, with decorated capitals and a holy water font decorated with interlaced and leaf motifs, evoking medieval sculpture. On the outside, the sculpted corbels, reused in the transept area, display a rich iconography that ranges from geometric motifs to animal and human figures, testimony to a symbolism lost in time.
The restoration carried out in 2006 restored the church to some of its former splendour. The gabled roof, made of chestnut wood, was reinforced and the sculptures were restored, ensuring the preservation of this medieval testimony for future generations. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Historic-Artistic Monument on May 7, 1965.
How to get there and recommendations for visitors
San Juan de Priorio is located in the parish of the same name in the municipality of Oviedo, a few meters from the Las Caldas Spa, a hot springs enclave with centuries of history. Access is easy from the Asturian capital: Just follow the AS-322 road towards Las CaldasFor those who prefer public transport, there are bus lines that connect Oviedo with this area.
For those who want to enjoy the experience to the fullest, here are some recommendations:
1/XNUMX/XNUMX Relaxing at the Las Caldas Spa: Whether in its most modern or most traditional version, a thermal session never hurts.
2/XNUMX/XNUMX Stroll along the banks of the Nalón: especially recommended in autumn, when nature offers its best show of colours.
3 · Try the local gastronomy: There is no shortage of places in the surrounding area where you can enjoy a good fabada or rice with pitu de caleya, accompanied, of course, by a well-poured cider.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
