Sobre los mapas litológicos de las parroquias de la Diócesis de Vitoria-Gasteiz

Abstract

From the analysis of lithologies used in the construction of 487 parishes in the dioceses of Vitoria-Gasteiz and from their ornamental characteristics, origin and distribution, various aspects can be deduced for consideration in historical analysis and restoration. In masonry local rocks are always used. However, in stonework and sculpture a temporal evolution can be deduced. More concretely, the most used lithologies over the years have been firstly «Ajarte» type Danian-Montian lumachelle, then «Sierra Elguea» type Albian sandstone, and lastly «San Formerio» type Miocene sandstone. Very briefly, other conclusions include that: the stonemason’s taste and trends of the moment prevail over lithological characteristics; the size of the rocks to be worked is conditioned by the stratification and joints of the original quarry; the volume of rock used in relation to its transportation gives an idea of the number of people employed in construction; locally, in Romanesque Cuartango, the use of different lithologies with marked chromatic contrast denotes the intention of the artist and implies the original absence of paint or stucco work.