A primitive Romanesque construction existed on this site but only the tympanum of the original doorway decorated with the typical monogram of Christ survived. Historic documents relate that a stonemason from Navarre called Juan de Urrelo was hired in 1582 for the building of a new church to substitute the original building.

The sobre aspect of the exterior is echoed in the interior by the single nave and two lateral chapels opening onto the chancel, giving it the aspect of a Latin cross. On the Epistolary (right) side is the sacristy, adjacent to the eastern end of the church. The quadrangular tower on the Gospel (left) side rises from the western end. The ceiling is made up of ribbed vaults.

The main altarpiece is without doubt the most interesting piece of the interior decoration. It is dedicated to St Andrew and has been attributed to the sculptor from Jaca, Pedro Lasaosa - a disciple of master sculptor Juan de Moreto, author of the valuable chapel of St Michael in Jaca cathedral. There are clear parallels between the structure used by Moreto in the St Michael altarpiece and by Lasaosa in the altarpiece of St Andrew.

On the first level of the altarpiece are the figures of the Evangelists while St Andrew presides over the second level and appears to be flanked by St Peter and St Paul, each in their respective niches. Above these are two medallions with representations of Santa Águeda and Santa Caterina de Alejandría.

There are four more Romanist altarpieces dating from the beginning of the 17th century. Two of these are sculptures (carved by the master sculptor Domingo de Alcal and reduced in 1607 by Juan de Bescos) dedicated to St Sebastian and to Nuestra Señora del Rosario and the other two are panel paintings of more modest execution.

Anso Tourist Office . [ Jacetania ]