Church of Santa Maria de Yermo

Highlights

  • • 13th-century Cantabrian Romanesque on an 853 monastery
  • • National Artistic Monument since 1930
  • • Tympanum depicting a knight fighting a dragon
  • • 1203 consecration inscription: "Pedro Quintana made me"
  • • 2 km from Riocorvo and its baroque mansions

Description

The Church of Santa Maria de Yermo is a jewel of Cantabrian Romanesque, built in the 13th century on a monastery founded in 853 by bishops Ariulfo and Severino. Declared a National Artistic Monument in 1930, it stands in the village of Yermo on the banks of the River Besaya.

Its single rectangular nave (22 x 7.5 m) ends in a semicircular apse. The south portal, with a slightly pointed arch and four historiated capitals, preserves a tympanum depicting a knight fighting a dragon. An interior inscription records the church consecration in 1203 (Era MCCXLI): "Pedro Quintana made me".

The rural setting among meadows and the Besaya riverbank adds a landscape dimension to the visit. Riocorvo with its baroque mansions is 2 km away.

Key Information

Visit Duration

30 min

Related Destinations

Guide

Essential information for visiting Church of Santa Maria de Yermo

Location

How to get there

By carBy public transport
Practical Information
Visit Duration
30 min
Historical Facts

Monastery founded in 853 by bishops Ariulfo and Severino. Church consecrated in 1203 per interior inscription. Declared National Artistic Monument in 1930.

Things to do

Activities and experiences near Church of Santa Maria de Yermo

20

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers about Church of Santa Maria de Yermo

Yes, though hours vary. Usually open in summer. Off-season, check with Cartes Town Hall.
Half an hour for the church. Combined with Riocorvo (2 km), an hour and a half.