The Parthenon in Athens is one of the world’s best-known ancient temples, attracting visitors from across the globe. But a lesser-known lookalike in Spain often flies under the radar, despite being located in a popular tourist region.
Found in Cantabria, visitors say the “Spanish Parthenon” is “really beautiful” and worth visiting. The Church of San Jorge, in Las Fraguas, Arenas de Iguña, looks strikingly similar to the famous Greek temple it was inspired by.
Built in 1890, the church draws on neoclassical influences, and it is surrounded by 40 Corinthian columns, reports Ok Diario. Commissioned by the Dukes of Santo Mauro, it was originally conceived as a chapel–mausoleum, replacing the site of a former medieval hermitage.
The “Cantabrian Parthenon” is located next to the Palace of Los Hornillos, a private mansion built in the ‘Old English’ style by architect Ralph Selden Wornum.
It was once King Alfonso XIII’s temporary residence. It also featured in the 2001 film The Others, starring Nicole Kidman.
The style reflects late 19th-century trends in the region, during which Spanish nobility drew inspiration from the Anglo-Saxon world.
Historian Karen Mazarrasa says the Church of San Jorge is one of the most important examples of Cantabrian Neoclassicism. It reflects the aristocratic ensemble in which very different styles coexisted.
Visiting the Spanish Parthenon
The Duke donated the church to Las Fraguas after the village’s parish church collapsed. It was used as a prison during the Spanish Civil War, but it remains in use as a parish church to this day.
The church is not always open to the public. However, those who do visit may be surprised, as the interior differs from the exterior, with its simple altar and coffered ceiling, inspired by the classical Renaissance.
Visitors planning a visit can read reviews on TripAdvisor. One reviewer wrote: “Really beautiful, looks like a classical temple, worth your visit.” A second visitor commented: “Truly amazing. Must see for lovers of surprises. Called the Parthenon for obvious reasons.”
Another review read: “It was striking its style outside of all canon of the region, but it is still spectacular, built in a high and predominant enclave, it is worth stopping for a while to see it and take some photos, in the environment in which this is spectacular. It’s worth it.”
Someone else added: “Impressive building. There is no loss, as soon as you leave the highway and make another roundabout you will see it on your left. It’s impressive, it’s worth this stop along the way. It has a small left parking lot. And in front of it is a typical house that they say “The Others” was filmed in, and some cows grazing.”
To visit the Cantabrian Parthenon, it is a short drive from Arenas de Iguña. It’s advised to take the main road, join the CA-805, and turn left after 450 metres. The church is not always open to the public. The Palace of Los Hornillos is usually closed to the public, but sometimes the gardens are opened for events.