Rural Romanesque
Jewels of the past
The Romanesque architecture found in this rural area consists mainly of a group of churches and hermitages that were built during the 12th and 13th centuries. However, most of them were rebuilt and enlarged during the XVI and XVII centuries, replacing most of the original Romanesque elements with others of more recent style.
This Romanesque art is developed in small towns and is characterized by the modesty of its constructions, the robustness of its structures and the simplicity of its decoration. To build them, generally limestone from nearby quarries was used, carved in ashlar and masonry.
There are other representative Romanesque works very close to the margins of this protected natural space. However, here we will mention only the constructions included within the limits of the ZEC and ZEPA Sierra de Ayllón:
Ermita Santa Coloma (Albendiego), s. XII
This hermitage, with the appearance of a small church, was enlarged in the 15th century. Classified as a Historic-Artistic Monument, it is one of the most outstanding examples of rural Romanesque architecture. Its exquisite chevet constitutes an exceptional and unique ensemble, presenting a complex structure with beautifully decorated windows.
Bonaval Monastery
Near Retiendas is this Cistercian monastery that was founded around 1165 and was inhabited until 1821. It presents original elements, of transition between late Romanesque and early Gothic, and a rather heterogeneous structure due to its continuous extensions and later modifications.
Although this monument is of capital importance in the history of Spanish medieval architecture, unfortunately today it is in a state of ruin.
Church of San Miguel (Beleña de Sorbe, Cogolludo), 12th c.
Although this church was reformed between the XVI and XVII centuries, it maintains original Romanesque elements: the façade and the porticoed gallery. Its elegant and well-preserved façade stands out for its marvelous carvings of the agricultural calendar, making it one of the main examples of Romanesque architecture in Guadalajara.
Church of San Pedro ad Víncula (La Miñosa), 13th c.
Modestly enlarged in the 17th century, it presents a strong Romanesque morphology in its simple floor plan, as well as in the doorway and the belfry. It is characterized by its masonry construction of gneiss stone and slate with ashlar reinforcements in the corners.
Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Church (Almiruete), XIII c.
Although it was enlarged in the XVI century, this church conserves great part of its original construction. It has access through two doors, the west one being the original Romanesque. The slender belfry, which was rebuilt in the 16th century, stands out.
Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Church (Tamajón), 13th c.
It underwent major alterations in the sixteenth century. However, on its south façade the portico and the adjoining porticoed gallery, of Romanesque origin, are preserved.
Church of Santa María (Gascueña de Bornova), 13th c.
This small temple barely conserves elements of the Romanesque except for the doorway, the baptismal font and some parts of its walls, since it was completely renovated during the 16th century.