SANTA CECILIA CHURCH

The Church of Santa Cecilia in Aguilar de Campoo: Romanesque Art at the Summit of History

The Church of Santa Cecilia stands in a commanding position above the town of Aguilar de Campoo, in the province of Palencia, Spain, on the slope of the hill where the ruins of the medieval castle still remain. This strategic location not only gives the church a striking presence in the landscape but also reflects its historical importance as a key religious and defensive landmark.

Declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1963, Santa Cecilia served as the main church of the early settlement of Aguilar until the mid-13th century. According to tradition, an inscription—now lost—dated its foundation to the year 1041, making it one of the oldest religious structures in the region. However, the building we see today largely belongs to a later period: it was likely constructed between the late 12th and early 13th centuries, during the height of the Romanesque period. Its construction appears to have been sponsored by the powerful Lara family, who played a significant role in the development of Aguilar at the time.

The exterior of the church is marked by its solid, fortress-like appearance, typical of Romanesque architecture, yet softened by the elegant bell tower, which was built over the original location of one of the lateral apses. Inside, the layout consists of three naves and a double apse, with the original wooden roof structure preserved. Several carved capitals decorate the interior, some featuring biblical scenes and symbolic motifs rendered with expressive craftsmanship, offering insight into the didactic and spiritual role of Romanesque sculpture.

Santa Cecilia is not the result of a single construction phase but rather the outcome of multiple building campaigns, spanning from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period. This layered history is reflected in the architectural details, making the church a valuable witness to the artistic and cultural evolution of Aguilar de Campoo.

For those who wish to engage with this heritage in a hands-on and educational way, we offer a scale model kit made with ceramic pieces, faithfully reproducing the Church of Santa Cecilia.