Bailo. Church of St Fructuoso. 15rh to 16th centuries

The church of St Fructuoso in Bailo is a large and solid construction designed in the shape of a Latin cross with a single nave. Another transept was added on the north side at a later date. The ceiling is made up of star-ribbed vaults of a complex and rarely-seen design. The bell tower, attached to the western end on the Epistolary (right) side, completes the external appearance of the temple. The spacious porch on the western end is also worthy of note.

The vertical lines of the interior are the most important feature of this church. Entrance is through a beautiful and graceful Gothic pointed doorway. The delicate archivolts rest on fine columns crowned with simple capitals. The tympanum is meticulously carved with naturalist and floral patterns.

Of all the pieces inside the church, the Renaissance altarpiece holds the greatest interest. Similarly to those in other churches of the area, it was created by master craftsmen from Navarre following the artistic criteria dictated by the workshops of nearby Sangüesa, the focus of intense artistic activity at that time. It is dedicated to the bishop St Fructuoso and to Saints Eulogio and Augurio and is presided by the figure of “God the Father” giving the blessing. Special mention should be made of the Romanesque baptimal font.

. [ Jacetania ]