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-JACA. CATHEDRAL OF SAN PEDRO –"LONJA CHICA"-
IR A VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL
(LA JACETANIA)
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DROP DOWN MENU.....................................(Select cathedral destination) EXTERIOR-SOUTH APSE CORBELS DEL TEMPLO DETAILS OF SOUTH APSE "LONJA CHICA-SOUTH DOOR "LONJA MAYOR-WEST DOOR TYMPANUM-TRINITARIAN CHRISMON INTERIOR OF THE CATHEDRAL CAPITALS IN THE INTERIOR OF THE CATHEDRAL DIOCESAN MUSEUM
The original outline of the south façade of Jaca cathedral is concealed by different additions and reforms made to it over the centuries. Despite this, with a clear idea of the original plan of the cathedral in mind, it is not difficult “to read its walls” and identify the original elements obscured by the belfry, chapels and other structures added at later dates, such as the seventeenth century porch known as the ‘Lonja Chica’ (the small atrium). Just over the roof of this porch the original corbel table marks out the height of the original south aisle built in, what became known as, Jaca style. Interrupted remains of the friezes of double rows of chequerboard ornament are also to be seen on these same south walls; one running from the base of the windows and the other as a prolongation of the cymatia. The original south portal of the cathedral opens out from the third bay of the south aisle and, as a result of one of the aforementioned reforms, is protected by the south porch. Therefore, this south portal of the Romanesque temple of the cathedral is protected by a spacious porch which is enclosed by a wrought-iron railing and supported by seven columns with their respective capitals. The porch itself is a more modern structure which was built about the year 1600 with reused materials. The whole thing is known as the ‘Lonja Chica’ (small atrium or porch), to differentiate it from the ‘Lonja Principal / Mayor’ (main atrium or porch) at the western entrance [1, 2 and 3]. Most of the different elements which form the porch came from the, no longer existing, cloister of the cathedral and were reused here. The porch opens onto the medieval market square; on the right side of the door the length of the Jaca yardstick is chiselled twice into the stone – having it on the wall was a way of being able to verify transactions [11, 12 and 14]. This same yardstick can also be found in other places where markets were held, such as Sos del Rey Católico or the wall of the church of Santa María in Uncastillo.
The original outline of the south façade of Jaca cathedral is concealed by different additions and reforms made to it over the centuries. Despite this, with a clear idea of the original plan of the cathedral in mind, it is not difficult “to read its walls” and identify the original elements obscured by the belfry, chapels and other structures added at later dates, such as the seventeenth century porch known as the ‘Lonja Chica’ (the small atrium). Just over the roof of this porch the original corbel table marks out the height of the original south aisle built in, what became known as, Jaca style. Interrupted remains of the friezes of double rows of chequerboard ornament are also to be seen on these same south walls; one running from the base of the windows and the other as a prolongation of the cymatia.
The original south portal of the cathedral opens out from the third bay of the south aisle and, as a result of one of the aforementioned reforms, is protected by the south porch.
Therefore, this south portal of the Romanesque temple of the cathedral is protected by a spacious porch which is enclosed by a wrought-iron railing and supported by seven columns with their respective capitals. The porch itself is a more modern structure which was built about the year 1600 with reused materials. The whole thing is known as the ‘Lonja Chica’ (small atrium or porch), to differentiate it from the ‘Lonja Principal / Mayor’ (main atrium or porch) at the western entrance [1, 2 and 3].
Most of the different elements which form the porch came from the, no longer existing, cloister of the cathedral and were reused here.
The porch opens onto the medieval market square; on the right side of the door the length of the Jaca yardstick is chiselled twice into the stone – having it on the wall was a way of being able to verify transactions [11, 12 and 14]. This same yardstick can also be found in other places where markets were held, such as Sos del Rey Católico or the wall of the church of Santa María in Uncastillo.
1
Crowning the south portal there is a tympanum which has also undergone modifications. It depicts symbols representing two of the Evangelists, elements which were reused, and a baroque crest depicting the tiara and keys of Saint Peter [7 to 10]. The capitals on either side of the door are two authentic works of art attributed to the Master of Jaca, of whom more will be said on the next page.
Crowning the south portal there is a tympanum which has also undergone modifications. It depicts symbols representing two of the Evangelists, elements which were reused, and a baroque crest depicting the tiara and keys of Saint Peter [7 to 10].
The capitals on either side of the door are two authentic works of art attributed to the Master of Jaca, of whom more will be said on the next page.
2
This small, modern porch breaks up the structural monotony of the exterior of the cathedral. It has the characteristic structure of places used as market squares [3]. Undoubtedly, it is one of the musts to visit when in Jaca, and if you are fortunate enough to have your visit coincide with the noisy, cheerful festival of the First Friday in May, it will be an unforgettable experience.
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78910
As pointed out before, the moulds employed for validating the correct length of the Jaca yardstick are chiselled into the Romanesque stonework to the right of the door. This was the standard used for trade in Jaca and, in order to don it with authenticity and credibility, two brand marks were etched in bas-relief into the stone just above the moulds: one, representing the Jaca crest, has a two-barred papal cross [14], and the other is a gothic lower-case letter, which appears to be the letter ‘b’ [12].
111213
The moulds have become shiny with the use given them over the years by the merchants checking their own measuring devises against them. They are also marked with subdivisions; grooves mark the half length and other smaller lengths [9].
14
The structure of the south porch partially conceals the south façade of the original building, and also some of its windows. One of these windows and the capitals on either side of it can be seen, although with a little difficulty, from inside the porch [4 to 6].
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