The Orientation of Pre-Romanesque Churches in the Iberian Peninsula
A. César González-García|Juan Antonio Belmonte
The orientation of Christian churches is a distinctive feature its architecture, repeating patterns from early times that show general tendency to orientate their apses in the solar range, with predilection for orientations near astronomical equinox. We measured total 167 built prior A.D. 1086. A comprehensive statistical analysis sample indicates decisive pattern, clear according standard tradition, albeit certain particularities. Three sub-samples are examined find tendencies at each different historical time. This exercise main group seem relate Canonical equinox on 25 March, while popular ‘expected’ orientations, such as rising sun day patron saint church, completely absent. Other groups specific period, towards sunrise Saint James’s day, important only after discovery saint’s tomb ninth century.
Nexus Network Journal