Santa María Church, Salvatierra, Spain

Located to the north of the town, near the north entrance to Salvatierra, the church of Santa María is a temple-fortress that once formed part of the wall. It was built between the late 15th and early 16th century on top of an earlier church, and has excellent stalls. It belongs to the late Gothic.The core is rectangular, with three naves. The central nave stands out, wider and taller than the rest.The sacristy is from the late 17th century, spacious, simple and with a beautiful balcony. The main entrance is Gothic, from the early 16th century, and is topped by a 17th century steeple.

Inside, the front of the wonderful, richly decorated Plateresque choir is dominated by a large crest of Emperor Charles V. The main altarpiece is a masterpiece by Renaissance artist Lope de Larrea.The church of Santa María also has outstanding images such as the Virgin of the Rosary, Mary Magdalene and Andra Mari de Sailurtegi. The organ is an outstanding piece from 1806, by Manuel Antonio de Carvajal.

References:

tourism.euskadi.eus

Religious sites in Spain

User Reviews

Pedro Gonzalez De Durana Diaz (5 months ago)
What can I say about the Church of Santa María, where I was baptized and I made my first communion, it is beautiful

Jesús Ezquerro (9 months ago)
Magnificent temple: especially the main altarpiece and the reliefs under the choir at the entrance. The medallion dedicated to King Carlos I with his pronounced chin stands out.

Gloria Díez (10 months ago)
Nice place with interesting history

Alvaro Azcarraga (17 months ago)
Imposing Gothic church. Of almost cathedral dimensions, it has a beautiful interior highlighting the Plateresque choir and the main altarpiece. It is advisable to take a guided tour with the town guides to see the round trip.

Eneko Fernandez De Landa (3 years ago)
#letsguide very beautifull

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Kirkjubøargarður

Kirkjubøargarður ('Yard of Kirkjubøur', also known as King"s Farm) is one of the oldest still inhabited wooden houses of the world. The farm itself has always been the largest in the Faroe Islands. The old farmhouse dates back to the 11th century. It was the episcopal residence and seminary of the Diocese of the Faroe Islands, from about 1100. Sverre I of Norway (1151–1202), grew up here and went to the priest school. The legend says, that the wood for the block houses came as driftwood from Norway and was accurately bundled and numbered, just for being set up. Note, that there is no forest in the Faroes and wood is a very valuable material. Many such wood legends are thus to be found in Faroese history.

The oldest part is a so-called roykstova (reek parlour, or smoke room). Perhaps it was moved one day, because it does not fit to its foundation. Another ancient room is the loftstovan (loft room). It is supposed that Bishop Erlendur wrote the 'Sheep Letter' here in 1298. This is the earliest document of the Faroes we know today. It is the statute concerning sheep breeding on the Faroes. Today the room is the farm"s library. The stórastovan (large room) is from a much later date, being built in 1772.

Though the farmhouse is a museum, the 17th generation of the Patursson Family, which has occupied it since 1550, is still living here. Shortly after the Reformation in the Faroe Islands in 1538, all the real estate of the Catholic Church was seized by the King of Denmark. This was about half of the land in the Faroes, and since then called King"s Land (kongsjørð). The largest piece of King"s Land was the farm in Kirkjubøur due to the above-mentioned Episcopal residence. This land is today owned by the Faroese government, and the Paturssons are tenants from generation to generation. It is always the oldest son, who becomes King"s Farmer, and in contrast to the privately owned land, the King"s Land is never divided between the sons.

The farm holds sheep, cattle and some horses. It is possible to get a coffee here and buy fresh mutton and beef directly from the farmer. In the winter season there is also hare hunting for the locals. Groups can rent the roykstovan for festivities and will be served original Faroese cuisine.

Other famous buildings directly by the farmhouse are the Magnus Cathedral and the Saint Olav"s Church, which also date back to the mediaeval period. All three together represent the Faroe Island"s most interesting historical site.

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