Ventajola - Traditional village of Cerdanya
Ventajola
Ventajola (1,150 m) is located southwest of Puigcerdà, on the left bank of the river Querol or Aravó. It consists of a church, some farms and an old rectory. Its existence is documented since the 9th century. It was the property of Sant Miquel de Cuixà. The church, Romanesque (11th-12th century), is dedicated to Saint Thomas.
Church of St. Thomas of Ventajola
The first mention is dated 958 in a precept of the king Lotario in favor of the monastery of Sant Miquel de Cuixà "in Ventoiola ecclesia cum decimis et primiciis". It belonged to the pagus liviensis.
It is a building with a single nave headed by a semicircular apse that could be dated from the 11th century. It underwent several modifications, such as the construction of a chapel, the sacristy (which partially hides the apse) and the door that was rebuilt in the 19th century.
The most remarkable thing is the exterior decoration of the apse with blind arches of Lombard style, separated by lesenes, of which only five of the originals are preserved. Inside, it is covered with a quarter sphere arch. The bell tower with a two-eyed belfry is modern.
Church of St. Thomas of Ventajola
The first mention is dated 958 in a precept of the king Lotario in favor of the monastery of Sant Miquel de Cuixà "in Ventoiola ecclesia cum decimis et primiciis". It belonged to the pagus liviensis.
It is a building with a single nave headed by a semicircular apse that could be dated from the 11th century. It underwent several modifications, such as the construction of a chapel, the sacristy (which partially hides the apse) and the door that was rebuilt in the 19th century.
The most remarkable thing is the exterior decoration of the apse with blind arches of Lombard style, separated by lesenes, of which only five of the originals are preserved. Inside, it is covered with a quarter sphere arch. The bell tower with a two-eyed belfry is modern.
