Soto de Bureba - San Andrés

San Andrés was erected on a little hill, that was settled already in pre-Roman times, as recent excavation proved. The tiny hamlet Soto de Bureba is part of the village Quintanaélez (pop. ~ 100).

An inscription above the portal gives the construction date of 1175. During medieval times the area must have been much more densely populated, as later even a second nave was added to the structure.

The parish church is known for its wonderful, sculpted portal, seen here. The arches have an interesting, but somehow strange iconography. Some of the icons are pretty unique. There is a collection of really fantastic and mythical beasts.

The two medallions on the bottom are occupied by sausage-formed creatures. They have tiny legs and wings and collars around the necks), the medallion on top (left) shows the same beast, but a tail has grown. They remind me on caterpillars changing into butterflies or moths.

To the right is a sitting person, holding something. There is no facial expression. Could be damaged "Madonna and Child". The medallion above has two snakes - and another creature, of which only two feet can be seen in the sides.