The Arch of San Miguel de Mazarreros is an impressive vestige of the Middle Ages located in Sasamón (province of Burgos, Castile and León):
🏛️ History and Architecture
Built in the 12th century, the arch was part of the Romanesque—and possibly proto-Gothic—church of San Miguel de Mazarreros, which disappeared during the 15th century after the town was absorbed by Sasamón. Currently, this arch is the only visible remnant of the medieval temple.
It is a splayed ashlar doorway with up to seven decorated archivolts, whose capitals have suffered erosion and plundering but still retain traces of original ornamentation.
📍 Location
Just 1 km northwest of Sasamón, next to the BU-610 road that connects Sasamón with Sotresgudo. It is located in an agricultural setting, amidst wheat fields and next to the Brullés River, a tributary of the Odra.
🛡️ State of Conservation
It was included on the Hispania Nostra Red List of Heritage in 2014 due to its significant deterioration due to neglect, looting, and lack of structural protection.
Its legal protection dates back to the Spanish Historical Heritage Law of 1985, although historically it had not been intervened until a consolidation and cleanup project undertaken in 2020.
The work was carried out by the company Garsan, along with prior archaeological studies to preserve possible remains underground and install lighting to enhance its visibility without moving it from its original location.
🌾 Cultural Significance and Tourist Attraction
The arch has become an evocative symbol of "empty Spain," standing out as a striking point for pilgrims on the French Way, photographers, and rural heritage lovers.
Beyond its historical value, it inspires reflection on the passage of time and the ephemeral nature of villages that disappear, leaving only a portal that witnessed the past.
ℹ️ Useful information
Appearance Details Exact location Highway BU‑610, 1 km from Sasamón; coordinates: approximately 42.42667°N, –4.04649°W Current status Consolidated after restoration in 2020 How to get there From Sasamón, take the road towards Sotresgudo. You can see it next to the fields Nearby surroundings Church of Santa María la Real, Sasamón walls, Medieval Center (less than 1.5 km away) Heritage value Legally listed as a "Protected Site" since 1985, although it suffered from historical neglect
🧭 Why visit?
To see one of the best vestiges of the late Romanesque style in Castile and León.
For its solitary and poetic atmosphere, often cited by travelers as a place "lost in the middle of nowhere," and with legends linking it to ancient passageways to Sasamón.
Enjoy medieval architecture and reflect on the evocation of a vanished village, represented only by its gate.
Would you like to know nearby routes, local contacts, the best times to visit, or even more detailed photographs? I'm here to help!
The Arch of San Miguel de Mazarreros is an impressive vestige of the Middle Ages located in Sasamón (province of Burgos, Castile and León):
🏛️ History and Architecture
Built in the 12th century, the arch was part of the Romanesque—and possibly proto-Gothic—church of San Miguel de Mazarreros, which disappeared during the 15th century after the town was absorbed by Sasamón. Currently, this arch is the only visible remnant of the medieval temple.
It is a splayed ashlar doorway with up to seven decorated archivolts, whose capitals have suffered erosion and plundering but still retain traces of original ornamentation.
📍 Location
Just 1 km northwest of Sasamón, next to the BU-610 road that connects Sasamón with Sotresgudo. It is located in an agricultural setting, amidst wheat fields and next to the Brullés River, a tributary of the Odra.
🛡️ State of Conservation
It was included on the Hispania Nostra Red List of Heritage in 2014 due to its significant deterioration due to neglect, looting, and lack of structural protection.
Its legal protection dates back to the Spanish Historical Heritage Law of 1985, although historically it had not been intervened until a consolidation and cleanup project undertaken in 2020.
The work was carried out by the company Garsan, along with prior archaeological studies to preserve possible remains underground and install lighting to enhance its visibility without moving it from its original location.
🌾 Cultural Significance and Tourist Attraction
The arch has become an evocative symbol of "empty Spain," standing out as a striking point for pilgrims on the French Way, photographers, and rural heritage lovers.
Beyond its historical value, it inspires reflection on the passage of time and the ephemeral nature of villages that disappear, leaving only a portal that witnessed the past.
ℹ️ Useful information
Appearance Details Exact location Highway BU‑610, 1 km from Sasamón; coordinates: approximately 42.42667°N, –4.04649°W Current status Consolidated after restoration in 2020 How to get there From Sasamón, take the road towards Sotresgudo. You can see it next to the fields Nearby surroundings Church of Santa María la Real, Sasamón walls, Medieval Center (less than 1.5 km away) Heritage value Legally listed as a "Protected Site" since 1985, although it suffered from historical neglect
🧭 Why visit?
To see one of the best vestiges of the late Romanesque style in Castile and León.
For its solitary and poetic atmosphere, often cited by travelers as a place "lost in the middle of nowhere," and with legends linking it to ancient passageways to Sasamón.
Enjoy medieval architecture and reflect on the evocation of a vanished village, represented only by its gate.
Would you like to know nearby routes, local contacts, the best times to visit, or even more detailed photographs? I'm here to help!
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