SAN PEDRO DE LA NAVE

San Pedro de la Nave: History and Architecture

The church of San Pedro de la Nave, located near Zamora in Castilla y León (Spain), is one of the most remarkable examples of Visigothic architecture. Originally built in the Esla River valley, it was relocated in 1930 to its current site in El Campillo to save it from being submerged by the creation of a reservoir.

The temple stands out for its simplicity and geometric precision. Its three-nave floor plan is characterized by independently roofed and lower side aisles. The transept extends to the north and south through two vestibules, reinforcing its cross-shaped layout.

Built with high-quality ashlar masonry, the exact date of its construction remains uncertain. It is believed to have been erected either before the year 711 or between 893 and 907, as it is already mentioned in documents from the latter period. It is worth noting that between 711 and 893 the region was under Muslim rule, making construction during that time unlikely.

The doors are simple, featuring horseshoe arches without sculptural decoration. The side vestibules, now covered with wooden ceilings, once contained lofts above them. In the transept, there are four columns that do not serve a structural purpose, suggesting they may be related to a change in construction techniques during the building process.

Inside the building, which measures 19.75 by 16 meters, there is a notable peculiarity: the side aisles do not open directly into the arms of the transept, but only connect through small windows.

If you're passionate about history and architectural heritage, you can now own a faithful scale model of San Pedro de la Nave.