Because of its location, the collegiate church of Santa Cruz de Castañeda came to be part of the Pilgrim's Road to Santiago de Compostela. The existing building is from the 12th century, although the church, in Romanesque style, and a monastery, previously stood on the site.
Initially its plan had one nave and three apses, but it was later altered, adding 2 naves to the structure. One of them is in the Gothic style and the other later (17th century). They transformed the southern apse into a private chapel and sacristy in the Baroque style. On the capitals of the columns, which are preserved in perfect condition, the animal and vegetable iconography is outstanding. The Gothic Way of the Cross (there are no others like it in all Cantabria) the Baroque reredoses and 2 carvings of the Virgin with Child must not be missed.
References:The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches of Rome. The basic floor plan and wall structure of the church date back to the 340s, and much of the structure to 1140-43. The first sanctuary was built in 221 and 227 by Pope Callixtus I and later completed by Pope Julius I.
The inscription on the episcopal throne states that this is the first church in Rome dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus, although some claim that privilege belongs to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. A Christian house-church was founded here about 220 by Pope Saint Callixtus I (217-222) on the site of the Taberna meritoria, a refuge for retired soldiers. The area was made available for Christian use by Emperor Alexander Severus when he settled a dispute between the Christians and tavern-keepers.
The church underwent two restorations in the fifth and eighth centuries and in 1140-43 it was re-erected on its old foundations under Pope Innocent II.