The municipality of Villaviciosa boasts the largest number of pre-Romanesque and Romanesque monuments in Asturias , its most famous gem being the Conventín de Valdediós . This municipality cannot be fully understood without considering its rich architectural heritage, which allows us to create a first-rate cultural itinerary.
A score of architectural gems
The Cistercian monastery of Santa María de Valdediós showcases the evolution of medieval architecture over three centuries, from its initial construction in the late 9th century to the early 13th century, when the Church of Santa María was built. This austere building features three wide naves and a powerful triple-apsed chancel articulated by columns and semicircular windows. It has been declared a World Heritage Site. The monastery also holds the title of Historic-Artistic Monument, as do the Church of Santa María de la Oliva (located in the heart of Villaviciosa) and a dozen other architectural sites in the area, such as the unique Church of San Salvador de Priesca , dating from the 10th century, which was declared a national monument in 1913. This church, both for its architecture and the relief and painted decoration it still preserves, is one of the last remaining examples of the splendor of pre-Romanesque art on the Iberian Peninsula.
San Salvador de Valdediós
The surrounding area boasts a unique and rich natural heritage: oak and chestnut forests , and riverside woodland… Read more
Also noteworthy is the Church of San Juan de Amandi , located on a hill a few kilometers from the council's capital. The richness of its craftsmanship is evident in every corner, but it is most striking in the double tier of columns that articulate the interior wall of the presbytery and apse.
The interiors of these buildings vary from simplicity and austerity to baroque decantations. In all of them we are told a long story: wars and famines confused with happier times, primitive stones that are mixed with later additions ... stories of master architects, workshops, priests, rural legends, lords, vassals, kings.
We will find polychrome carvings on the altars to soften the profane character of their capitals, hieratic carvings with inexpressive faces, imposing baptismal fonts like the Santa Eulalia de Selorio, foundational inscriptions and other inscriptions that indicate a later reform.
Even in the samples of late Romanesque, when flirting with Gothic features, sculpture and decoration did not abandon their Romanesque patterns.
Information:
To know in detail all this great heritage we can approach the capital of the municipality, next to the Church of Santa María de la Oliva we will find a Information and reception center for visits to the Romanesque Villaviciosa (La Casina de la Oliva).
Monastery of Santa María de Valdediós (13th century) declared a historical-artistic monument.
Visiting Hours: Wednesday through Sunday from 11: 00 to 13: 00 and 16: 30 to 18: 30. Tuesday from 11: 00 to 11: 45 and from 13: 00 to 13: 45. Closed Monday.
Santa María de la Oliva (XIII century) declared historical-artistic monument.
Visiting hours: July, August and September from Tuesday to Sunday, from 11: 00 to 13: 00 and from 17: 00 to 19: 00. Rest of the year: Tuesdays and Saturdays of 11: 00 to 13: 00. Closed Monday. Parish priest of Villaviciosa: tno. 985 89 01 79
Church of San Salvador de Priesca (National monument from 1913). It dates from the 10th century.
Visiting hours: contact the parish priest. Tno 985 97 67 12
Church of San Juan de Amandi (XII century). Historical artistic monument.
Visiting hours: July, August and September from Tuesday to Sunday, from 11: 30 to 13: 30 and from 17: 30 to 19: 30. Rest of the year: Tuesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays of religious precept of 11: 30 to 13: 30. Closed Monday. Parish information: 985 89 00 73.
Church of Santa María de Lugás. Historical artistic monument.
Visiting hours: contact the parish priest.
San Andrés de Valdebárcena (IX century). Historic-artistic monument.
Visiting hours: contact the parish priest.
Church of Santa Eulalia de La Lloraza in Oles.
Visiting hours: contact the parish priest. Tno 985 49 48
Church of Santa Eulalia de Selorio. Historic-artistic monument.
Visiting schedule. Contact econ the pastor. Tno 985 99 62 07
Church of Santiago de Peón. Historic-artistic monument.
Visiting hours: contact the parish priest. Tno 985 89 40 34.
Chapel of San Nicolás de Tornón
Contact the parish priest of San Salvador de Priesca. Tno 985 97 67 12
Church of Santo Tomás de Coro (XIII century). Historic-artistic monument.
Visiting hours: contact the parish priest.
Church of San Bartolomé in Puelles (XIII century).
Visiting hours: contact the parish priest.
Church of Santa María de Arbazal (historical-artistic monument).
Visiting hours: contact the parish priest of San Bartolomé de Buelles.
Temple of Santa María de Sebrayo (10th century) in Miravalles.
Visiting hours: contact the parish priest of San Salvador de Priesca. Tno 985 97 67 12
Church of San Salvador de Fuentes (Eleventh century). Historic-artistic monument.
Church of Santa María Magdalena de Pandos (XIII century). Historic-artistic monument.
Church of Santa Mera (XIII century).
Church of San Juan de Camoca (s.XIII). Historic-artistic monument.
Church of Santa Cecilia de Careñes (s.XIII). Historic-artistic monument.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
