ARCHITECT, Spanish
(active late 12th century in Navarre)

Exterior view

1190s
Photo
Santa Maria, Eunate (Navarre)

The Spanish orders of knights were closely connected with the pilgrimage to Santiago. The Templars had arrived in 1188, and like the other orders of knights (e.g. the Hospitaliers) they were strongly influenced by France and French culture. They not only integrated elements from France into their architecture, but also attempted to imitate sites in the Holy Land. A truly international style was the result. A number of very characteristic buildings by these orders sprang up on the Iberian Peninsula during the twelfth and the early thirteenth century.

The origins of the church in Eunate is disputed, perhaps it was established by the Templars. Its plan is a slightly irregular octagon with a little three-side apse. The eight walls sustain an eight-rib vault, inspired in Cordova's caliphate art. This structure is very similar to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre of Torres del Río, Navarre, also on the pilgrimage Way of Saint James. The building is surrounded by arches built centuries later.