Church of St Mary, Wamba, Spain

The Church of St Mary at Wamba, in the province of Valladolid, Spain, is a medieval gem dating back to the Reconquista. The eastern part of the church is dated to the 10th century, while the western part is from the 12th century. This church is under consideration for World Heritage Site status, along with nine other Mozarabic sites. During the reign of King Recceswinth, Wamba had a royal residence, and it is believed that with the subsequent repopulation, Wamba’s existing church was rebuilt.

The oldest part of the current church is dated to the 10th century. There is a monastery documented in Wamba at this time, and the church is thought to have been part of it. It is suggested that the architecture is closer to Visigothic and Asturian influences than other buildings in the region, such as the church at San Cebrián de Mazote.

Queen Urraca of Portugal became a nun after the annulment of her marriage and was buried in the church. The church has an ossuary.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons