Visigothic art and architecture

Visigothic architecture

• Generally basilican in layout, sometimes a Greek cross plan or, more rarely, a combination of the two. The spaces are highly compartmentalised.
• Horseshoe arches without keystones.
• A rectangular, exterior apse.
• Use of columns and pillars with Corinthian capitals of unique design.
• Barrel vaults with cupolas at the crosses.
• Walls of ashlar blocks, occasionally alternating with Roman brickwork.
• Decoration commonly of animal or plant motifs.

• Crypt of San Antolín in the cathedral of Palencia
• Church of Santa Comba in Bande
• Chapel of San Xes de Francelos in Ribadavia
• Church of San Pedro de la Mata in Sonseca
• Church of Santa María de Melque in San Martín de Montalbán
• Suso monastery at San Millán de la Cogolla, La Rioja
• Basilica of Santa María de Batres in Carranque
• Hermitage of Santa María in Quintanilla de las Viñas
• Church of Santa Lucía del Trampal near Alcuéscar
• Crypt of the Monastery of San Salvador de Leyre, Navarre
• Head of the Church of San Miguel de los Fresnos in Fregenal de la Sierra
• Saint Frutuoso Chapel in Braga
• Church of São Gião in Nazaré
• The Pre-Romanesque church of San Pedro de la Nave in San Pedro de la Nave-Almendra was formerly regarded as an exemplar of Visigothic architecture, but current thinking as to the date of the building suggests that it is better described as Mozarabic or Repoblación. A similar redating has been suggested for the Church of San Juan Bautista in Baños de Cerrato.