INTRODUCTION
Saint John of A Cova is a Ribeira Sacra’s Romanesque gem, not only because of its architecture, but also owing to the spot on which it stands. This church dates back to the 12th century and it was moved from its original location when Os Peares reservoir was built. It was originally part of a Benedictine monastery.
HISTORY
Saint John of A Cova was a double monastery and subsequently became a female monastery, although its origins are unknown. The first document preserved corresponds to a donation in 967, with the probable existence of a pre- Romanesque building.
ARCHITECTURE AND FURNITURE
The building dates back to the end of the 12th century, except the belfry and the end portion of the front, which date back to the 18th century. Its transfer in the fifties, to save it from the waters of Os Peares reservoir, resulted in the preservation of only the side chapel of the door with pointed arch only the door with pointed arch and an archosolium with an undertying structure, possibily of an abbes of the monastery, of the side chapel; however, nothing was preserved of the monastic buildings. The church has a rectangular nave with a gabled roof and semicircular apse with a window and arrow-hole. The main portal, chancelled, contains three archivolts with a toric mould shape and with a series of slightly canted small arches radially disposed superimposed in the exterior; underneath the arches, a semicircular tympanum contains inscriptions. Mention must be made of the structure of the north door, with its double archivolt. It was declared a Historic- Artistic Monument in 1960.
OPENING HOURS
Visits are only allowed outside the monument.
A permit from the Bishopric is required to visit the interior of the church.
CONTACT
Object:
Piñarrostro
27532 Carballedo
Lugo, Galicia, Spain
Institution:
DIPUTACIÓN PROVINCIAL DE LUGO
Servicio de Turismo
San Marcos, 8
27001 Lugo
Galicia, Spain
Phone: +34 982 260 120
Email: turismo@deputacionlugo.org
ENTRANCE FEES & GUIDED TOURS
A permit from the Bishopric is required to visit the interior of the church.
TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE
RIBEIRA SACRA CONSORCIO DE TURISMO
Estrada de Viñoás, 3
32160 Nogueira de Ramuín
Ourense, Galicia, Spain
Phone: +34 638823592
Email: turismo@ribeirasacra.org