Church of Saint Julian of the meadows (Oviedo)
The Church of St. Julian of the Meadows is a pre-Romanesque basilica of significant antiquity dedicated to the holy Egyptian martyrs Julian and Basilisa. It is one of the oldest temples in Asturias.
Built at the beginning of the ninth century by the order of Alfonso II, the church is characterized by its spaciousness, with a basilica-type plan containing three naves separated from each other by square-shaped pillars that support semicircular arches with a transept with a raised highlight.
In addition to its magnificence, the temple stands out for deviating from the classic Visigoth architectural model in addition to its impressive and sublime pictorial decoration. Its Byzantine frescoes stand out in three sections and there is a clear Roman influence in its finish.
This pictorial decoration looks incredible not only in terms of the conception of its many icons of clear Western style but also for its excellent state of conservation.
Just as its rich pictorial decoration stands out, its splendid sculptural decoration was of enormous importance. It stood under its own weight thanks to a spatial distribution designed to serve as artistic “counterweights” to the architectural design.
Unfortunately, only the marble capitals on which the semicircular arches rest are preserved, as are carved slabs, also made of marble, decorated with hexagonal and floral geometric shapes.
The intrinsic and heritage value of this magnificent pre-Romanesque temple is so great that it earned the declaration of Historical-Artistic Monument of the Spanish State in 1917 and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1988 by UNESCO.
Built at the beginning of the ninth century by the order of Alfonso II, the church is characterized by its spaciousness, with a basilica-type plan containing three naves separated from each other by square-shaped pillars that support semicircular arches with a transept with a raised highlight.
In addition to its magnificence, the temple stands out for deviating from the classic Visigoth architectural model in addition to its impressive and sublime pictorial decoration. Its Byzantine frescoes stand out in three sections and there is a clear Roman influence in its finish.
This pictorial decoration looks incredible not only in terms of the conception of its many icons of clear Western style but also for its excellent state of conservation.
Just as its rich pictorial decoration stands out, its splendid sculptural decoration was of enormous importance. It stood under its own weight thanks to a spatial distribution designed to serve as artistic “counterweights” to the architectural design.
Unfortunately, only the marble capitals on which the semicircular arches rest are preserved, as are carved slabs, also made of marble, decorated with hexagonal and floral geometric shapes.
The intrinsic and heritage value of this magnificent pre-Romanesque temple is so great that it earned the declaration of Historical-Artistic Monument of the Spanish State in 1917 and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1988 by UNESCO.
Location
What to see in Oviedo
