San Julián de los Prados, Oviedo

San Julián de los Prados, also known as Santullano, is a remarkable pre-Romanesque church located in the city of Oviedo, in the Asturias region of northern Spain. This historic church is one of the most important and best-preserved examples of early Christian architecture in the country.

Constructed during the reign of Alfonso II of Asturias in the 9th century, San Julián de los Prados is part of a collection of monuments in Oviedo and the Kingdom of Asturias that have been collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church is an emblem of the Asturian pre-Romanesque style, characterized by its spacious layout, stone construction, and the use of horseshoe arches.

The exterior of the church is notable for its simplicity and grand scale, while the interior is remarkable for its series of frescoes, which are among the most significant works of their kind from this period in Western Europe. The wall paintings display a variety of geometric patterns, floral motifs, and figurative scenes, showcasing the skill and artistic vision of the period.

San Julián de los Prados features a basilica plan with three naves separated by columns, culminating in three semicircular apses at the eastern end. The central nave is taller than the side aisles, allowing for clerestory windows that fill the space with natural light.

The church is not only a place of worship but also a cultural landmark, attracting visitors who are interested in the art and history of early medieval Spain. It provides a unique insight into the religious and social life of the Kingdom of Asturias during a time when the region was a beacon of Christian resistance during the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula.