Santo Estevo de Ribas de Miño

The uniqueness of the church of the monastery of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Miño is defined both by its architecture and decoration and by the site where it is located, in an elevated position, facing the river Miño, on the slopes of a mountain and surrounded by vegetation.

There are very few documentary references to this site. It is presumed to be an establishment of early medieval origin and possibly a priory linked to the monastery of San Xulián de Samos. However, it is not until 1238 that we find any indirect news of this house. At the end of the 14th century, the monastery was run by Estevo Rodrigues, at the head of a secularised community. As for the building that still survives, only comparative analysis with other churches allows us to estimate its chronology: it is thought to have been built during the first quarter of the 13th century. It is a single-nave building with a semicircular apse. The western façade has a doorway with remarkable sculptural decoration, especially on the capitals and the first archivolt. At the top, there is a large rose window.

Santo Estevo de Ribas de Miño
Western portal

Santo Estevo de Ribas de Miño

Bibliography:

FERNÁNDEZ PÉREZ, Sonia M. (2001). Para una nueva lectura de la Portada Occidental de Santo Estevo de Rivas de Miño a propósito de la posible representación de David y sus músicos. Compostellanum, vol. 46-3/4
FREIRE CAMANIEL, José (1998). El monacato gallego en la alta edad media, vol. II. La Corunya: Fund. Pedro Barrié de la Maza

PÉREZ GONZÁLEZ, José María; dir. (2018). Enciclopedia del Románico en Galicia. Lugo. Aguilar de Campoo: Fundación Santa María la Real
PÉREZ RODRÍGUEZ, Francisco Javier (2008). Mosteiros de Galicia na Idade Media. Ourense: Deputación Provincial de Ourense
REGAL, Bernardo; i altres (1973). Galice romane. La Pierre-qui-Vire: Zodiaque
SÁ BRAVO, Hipólito de (1972). El monacato en Galicia. Vol. 1. La Corunya: Librigal

Location:

The church of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Miño is located in the municipality of O Saviñao, overlooking the river Miño and the road that connects Chandada with Monforte de Lemos

Monastery of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Miño