San Pedro at the Castle of Loarre, a study in the relation of cultural forces to the design, decoration and construction of a Romanesque church

The Castle of Loarre in the province of Aragon is among the most celebrated of Spain's renowned castles. At this stronghold during the last quarter of the 11th century the Aragonese king, Sancho Ramirez, constructed a monumental church dedicated to Saint Peter. San Pedro is boldly differentiated from the military portions of the castle by its ashlar masonry, dome, applied columns and ornately carved capitals. Viewed from the south, the church completely dominates the castle. Its abundant sculpture, finely worked masonary, and the imposing profile of its dome against the sky convey San Pedro's importance at a single glance.;Two factors have traditionally made San Pedro an important monument for art historians. First, it plays a substantial role in the advent of mature Romanesque architecture in Spain because it is an early example of the style. Second, its capitals share features with those of so many churches in southern France and northern Spain that San Pedro serves single-handedly as a sampler for the sculpture of the Pilgrimage Roads. San Pedro's importance, however, rests not on these formal issues along. Like a giant seal set upon the land, this lavish monument served as a reminder of its royal patron's legitimate, God given right to rule the territory. Poised on the frontier between Muslim and Christian lands San Pedro served to remind the Aragonese Christians that they held beliefs distinct from those of their enemies, the Muslims and that their king's military prowess was backed up by the invincible strength of God. By using San Pedro as a monumental gateway to the castle its builders may have hoped it would function apotropaically warding off the enemy through its very presence. More likely, the church inspired greater confidence in those within the castle reminding them through carved portrayals of biblical heroes that faith would bring victory in the most impossible battles.