Santa María de la Asunción Church, Castro Urdiales, Spain

The Church of Santa María de la Asunción is in Gothic style. Built under the protection of King Alfonso VIII of Castile in the 13th century (though it was finished in the 15th century), it is a basilica church with three naves. In the interior are the images of the White Virgin and the Reclining Christ, and three Gothic carvings of the Magi.

Religious sites in Spain

User Reviews

Prabodha Lakrani (2 years ago)
The place is really beautiful standing at the edge of the city placing constant waves. We've witness young boys jumping up from the cliff into a small area of the sea sorrounded by made made dams some perhaps belonging to the church itself. The church adds a good ambiance to the area.

Arushi Tyagi (3 years ago)
Beautiful and picturesque. Must visit!!

Vivi Tsui (3 years ago)
Church by the seaside Very beautiful though driving here might be a little bit challenging with the last part super narrow road

Sophie Brookes (3 years ago)
Stunning and a place that takes you to a different time in history. Really enjoyed seeing it.

Peter Anderson (3 years ago)
A beautiful old church which feels like a cathedral perched above the harbour of a lovely seaside town.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright CucombreLibre

Historic Site of the week

Gruyères Castle

The Castle of Gruyères is one of the most famous in Switzerland. It was built between 1270 and 1282, following the typical square plan of the fortifications in Savoy. It was the property of the Counts of Gruyères until the bankruptcy of the Count Michel in 1554. His creditors the cantons of Fribourg and Bern shared his earldom. From 1555 to 1798 the castle became residence to the bailiffs and then to the prefects sent by Fribourg.

In 1849 the castle was sold to the Bovy and Balland families, who used the castle as their summer residency and restored it. The castle was then bought back by the canton of Fribourg in 1938, made into a museum and opened to the public. Since 1993, a foundation ensures the conservation as well as the highlighting of the building and the art collection.

The castle is the home of three capes of the Order of the Golden Fleece. They were part of the war booty captured by the Swiss Confederates (which included troops from Gruyères) at the Battle of Morat against Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy in 1476. As Charles the Bold was celebrating the anniversary of his father's death, one of the capes is a black velvet sacerdotal vestment with Philip the Good's emblem sewn into it.

A collection of landscapes by 19th century artists Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Barthélemy Menn and others are on display in the castle.

Do you know an ancient castle or magnificent church near you?

Why not share it with other people interested in history? You can add your own historic sites and attractions to SpottingHistory.com.

It's absolutely free, easy, and doesn't even need registration!

Upload data

Santa María de la Asunción Church

Address

Details

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Landmarks of Sicily

Rhodes, The Island of Knights

Great Spa Towns of Europe

Historic Site of the week

Gruyères Castle

Looks like you are a history fan!