01112
Erill la Vall - Spain – C. XI
S: 1/80
Approx. Nº of pieces: 4.950
Difficulty degree: 8/10.jpg)
Sizes(mm): 400 x 220 x 340 mm
Detailed graphic instructions
Church of Santa Eulalia of Erill la Vall: Historical and Architectural Reference
The Church of Santa Eulalia of Erill la Vall is one of the jewels of Catalan Romanesque architecture, located in the small village of Erill la Vall, in the Boí Valley, in the comarca of Alta Ribagorça, in the Pyrenees of Lleida. It is part of the group of Romanesque churches of the Boí Valley that were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2000.
Historically, the church is believed to have been built in the 11th century, during the height of the Romanesque style in the region, under the direct influence of Lombard models that spread from northern Italy and across the Pyrenees. Its construction reflected both the spiritual needs of the community and the desire of local elites to demonstrate their power and influence through the building of monumental churches.
From an architectural perspective, Santa Eulalia of Erill la Vall is a clear example of Lombard Romanesque, characterized by its sobriety and structural harmony. The church features a basilica floor plan with three naves separated by columns, a head with three semicircular apses, and an impressive six-story bell tower—slender and vertical—which has become one of its most distinctive elements. The square-plan bell tower is decorated with blind arches and lesenes, typical of the Lombard style.
Inside, a reproduction of the sculptural group of the Descent from the Cross stands out. The original 12th-century work is now preserved in the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and the Museu Episcopal de Vic. This group is one of the most remarkable examples of Romanesque polychrome wooden sculpture on the Iberian Peninsula.
The Church of Santa Eulalia is not only of religious significance but also represents a fundamental testimony to the development of Romanesque art and architecture in the Pyrenees. It also reflects the cultural and historical role of rural communities in medieval Catalonia.
Enjoy recreating its details and architecture with the model we propose!
