The Church of Santa María del Sar

Outside the historic centre of Santiago de Compostela, the Romanesque Church of Santa María del Sar was built on the banks of the River Sar in the 12th century. Its simple beauty and balanced proportions, with polygonal apse windows, columns and carved detail, make it well worth the short walk. From outside, you can see the large flying buttresses, added to protect the building from earthquakes.

The former priory also includes an unusual chapter house, a beautiful Romanesque cloister, and remarkable sculptures by Master Mateo. The Romanesque Church of Santa María del Sar is built as a three-aisled basilica. Behind the church, the Museum of Sacred Art can also be visited, displaying a collection of liturgical and religious objects.