Page:A History of Architecture in All Countries Vol 2.djvu/263

Rh Bk. VII, Ch. II. CHURCHES OF THE ASTURIAS. 247 models more than the plan. The columns are spirally fluted — a classical form — but the capitals are angular, and made to support arches. On the walls also there are curious medallions from which the vaulting-ribs spring, which seem peculiar to the style, since they are found repeated in S. Cristina. 686. View of Church at Naranco. (From Parcerisa.) The chief interest of this building, however, lies in the fact that it exhibits the Spaniards in the middle of the 9th century trying to adapt a Pagan temple to Christian purposes, as if the Romans had left no basilicas in the land, and as if the Goths had been unable to elaborate any kind of "ecclesia" in which they might assemble for worship. San Miguel and Santa Cristina are adapted for internal worsliip, but their form is very unlike those of any other church Ave are ac- quainted with. The church of San Pablo differs essentially from them, inasmuch as it is a complete Christian church in all its essentials. Though very small (80 feet by 67) it is triapsal, with a central dome and all the arrangements of a church, but more like examples found in the East than any- thing usually known in the West. Its details still retain traces of classic feeling (Woodcut No. 689), though some- thing not unlike the Jewish candlestick of the Temple is mixed up with ornaments of Christian origin. 687 riaii of Church at Naranco. Scale 50 ft. to 1 in.