Church of Saint Michael of Lillo (Oviedo)
One of the oldest temples on the outskirts of Oviedo, on Mount Naranco, is the Church of Saint Michael of Lillo, which was built in honour of Saint Michael the Archangel by order of Ramiro I.
It is a pre-Romanesque-style church that originally had a basilica plan with three naves. Currently, it maintains only a third of its original length, in addition to its vestibule and the beginning of its three naves, separated by arches supported on columns along with a vaulted roof made up of a complex system of half-barrel vaults.
For the most part, the construction is made of ashlar. Other interesting details are its beautiful carved stone latticework and a slender construction that took ergonomic proportions into account, as its height is three times its width.
Something that impresses at first glance is the beautiful decoration, both sculptural and pictorial. For example, on the jambs of the entrance door is a set of sculptures in relief. In addition, its capitals and bases all have a notable Lombard, Byzantine and Oriental influence based on an anti-naturist and primitivist style.
One can still admire the original murals whose decorative style is typical of the time of Alfonso II and also others where the human figure is relevant.
Due to its incalculable patrimonial, historical and artistic importance, the Church of Saint Michael of Lillo was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.
It is a pre-Romanesque-style church that originally had a basilica plan with three naves. Currently, it maintains only a third of its original length, in addition to its vestibule and the beginning of its three naves, separated by arches supported on columns along with a vaulted roof made up of a complex system of half-barrel vaults.
For the most part, the construction is made of ashlar. Other interesting details are its beautiful carved stone latticework and a slender construction that took ergonomic proportions into account, as its height is three times its width.
Something that impresses at first glance is the beautiful decoration, both sculptural and pictorial. For example, on the jambs of the entrance door is a set of sculptures in relief. In addition, its capitals and bases all have a notable Lombard, Byzantine and Oriental influence based on an anti-naturist and primitivist style.
One can still admire the original murals whose decorative style is typical of the time of Alfonso II and also others where the human figure is relevant.
Due to its incalculable patrimonial, historical and artistic importance, the Church of Saint Michael of Lillo was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.
Location
What to see in Oviedo
