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Church · Santiago de Compostela, Galicia
Colexiata de Santa María a Real de Sar
12th-century Romanesque church on the banks of the Sar River, known for its leaning columns and walls, with a Romanesque cloister and a small museum.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Colexiata de Santa María a Real de Sar
The Colexiata de Santa María a Real de Sar sits in the Sar river valley, about 1 km from the old quarter. It was founded in 1136 by Bishop Munio Alfonso as a monastery of regular canons, and the Romanesque church was built in the 12th century.
What strikes you on entering are the columns and walls leaning outward, as if the church were opening up. The tilt results from unstable, wet ground and perhaps partly from the original design. In the 17th and 18th centuries large stone flying buttresses were added outside to support the walls.
Of the Romanesque cloister only one wing remains, attributed to the workshop of Master Mateo, author of the Pórtico de la Gloria, with capitals carved with leaves and figures. The small museum displays goldsmithing pieces and documents from the collegiate church.
The route to Sar descends along the Rúa de Sar from the old quarter and passes old houses and the medieval bridge over the river.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 to 45 minutes.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, as part of a walk from the old quarter. Visiting hours are limited; check before you go.
How to get there
It is about 1 km southeast of the old quarter, roughly a 15-minute walk down the Rúa de Sar.
Tip
Go inside and look along the nave to notice the leaning columns. Then view the flying buttresses from the outside. Combine the walk with the medieval Sar bridge.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Colexiata de Santa María a Real de Sar
Why are the Sar columns tilted?
Because of the valley’s wet, unstable ground, which caused the walls to open out. Flying buttresses were added in the 17th and 18th centuries to support them.
Is the Sar cloister complete?
No. Only one Romanesque wing remains, connected to Master Mateo’s workshop.
Is Sar far from the cathedral?
About 1 km away, roughly a 15-minute downhill walk.