Románico Zamora

Church of Santa María de Arbás

12th century

This church is an example of Romanesque-Mudejar architecture. It is located in one of the Jewish quarters, between the second and third walled enclosure of Toro.

Its origin, according to some historians, dates back to the times of Ferdinand I, when new northern settlers came to Toro creating a small village called Arbás, where people from Asturias settled, and other small village called Roncesvalles. At the time, they were distant from the city and in 1194, the construction of this church is mentioned in a letter from the Bishop of Zamora. It was parish until 1896, when it became part of the Santísima Trinidad parish.  

The temple was built of stone, brick and rammed earth and has a Latin cross plan, rectangular nave and a belfry but it suffered a major alteration in the 17th century. From the initial Romanesque-Mudejar framework, have been preserved some remains of the northern wall, a pointed arch, which is nowadays walled up, and a splayed window.

The interior contains a gadrooned font and there were also burial sites that have been moved to the Museum of Sacred Art of Toro, located in the church of San Salvador de los Caballeros.

The Baroque altarpiece from the 18th century is believed to have been designed by a family of artists called “Los Tomé”. It has an image of Nuestra Señora del Puerto de Arbás.

ADDRESS

1, Santa María de Arbas Square

To view the entire route from your position to the monument, you can click on the Google icon located on the lower left corner of the map.

OPENING HOURS AND VISITS

The access is free of charge but there are neither visiting hours nor guided tours. 

The temple can be visited only during mass celebrations.

GENERAL INTEREST SERVICES

Tourist office:
- Toro: It is located at 6, Main Square. Tel. +34 980 694 747 

Civil Guard (police with responsibilities outside towns):
- Toro: Tel. +34 980 690 012

Emergency telephone numbers: 112 
- Toro medical center: Tel. +34 980 691 337

Bus station: 
- Toro: Tel. +34 980 693 236

Train station: 
- Toro: Tel. +34 905 551 844

Taxis:
- Toro: Tels. +34 639 421 582 / +34 630 752 526 / +34 607 451 307

Civil defence:
- Toro: Tel. +34 980 690 100