Decorative details

There are not many decorative Romanesque sculptures in the sanctuary. We have already mentioned the few figurative corbels on the exterior. The most significant ones are concentrated in the western half of the church, from the narthex to the chapel of San Miguel. They belong to the stylistic phase linked to the Romanesque style plenary session of the Executive Council. The rest of the sanctuary, earlier in time, is sparing in decorative resources.

The capitals of the openings, both at the foot entrance and in the chapel of San Miguel, have an elegant repertoire of slit and stylised leaves with scrolls, balls or peaks in the upper corners. Their details are fantastically preserved. Also noteworthy are the crests, which hold flowers and fan leaves, the same as those we can see on the Zamartze doorway. They are the work of the same hand. The result is meticulous and elegant. And in comparison with the rest of the building, it is brilliantly executed and design. It perfectly illustrates the work of a magnificent workshop.

The photograph shows a beautiful animal mask, perhaps a lion, with vegetal cauliculi growing from its jaws. It is located to the left of the gable window of the chapel, and is paired with another similar one on the western door. It is really very well done. And sample a topic that will have a long history in Navarrese medieval art, already heralding the Gothic green-man.