Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: female exhibitionist

Today Frómista has a population of less than 1000. In previous centuries, Frómista had a significant population that lived from growing wheat. A church and a Benedictine monastery on this site were first mentioned in the will of Queen Munia Mayor, widow of King Sancho III of Navarre, in 1066. The queen made the monastery and church partial heirs to her fortune. This fortune made possible the construction of a magnificent church, which was built in the last third of the 11th century in a construction period of 15 to 20 years, continuously and without interruption. Close links exist with the Cathedral of Jaca and the Basilica of San Isidoro, the craftsmen appear to have been partly the same. In 1118, Queen Urraca, a great-granddaughter of Queen Munia, placed the church, monastery and associated settlement, San Martín, under the authority of the monastery of San Zoilo. San Martín thus became the priory of this monastery. Throughout the following Middle Ages, there were constant disputes between the town of Frómista and the monastery of San Zoilo over rights in and to the village of San Martín, which even led to military conflicts. It was not until 1488 that the dispute was settled. In 1453, a Host miracle occurred in San Martín. The paten used and the host was venerated in the church until the 19th century. From 1896 to 1904, the church was extensively restored. The restoration, which aimed to recreate a "perfect" Romanesque church, is highly controversial today. Under the roof, there is a female naked contortionist, a tired-looking monkey, and a dog with a collar.

Soulosse-sous-Saint-Élophe (pop. ~650) was formed out of four hamlets. The two larger ones were Soulosse und Saint-Élophe. The church, dedicated to Saint-Élophe was built in the 13th and 15th centuries and so there is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Legends tell, that Saint Élophe (aka "Eliphius of Rampillon") preached the bible in the area and was martyred and beheaded on the spot. After his death in 363, he got up and went with his head in his hands to his burial site - the place, where the church is now. So he became a member of the large group of "kephalophores", who all carried away their own head after the death. Other members of the group are Saint Denis, Saint Sever, Saint Gohard, Saint Miniato. I see a female exhibitionist here - and have no idea, how she connects to the legend.

The single nave church was erected within the 12th century. The church got damaged during the Wars of Religions, when the bell tower, that stood above the choir, was completely destroyed. The facade has some extraordinary carvings. There are 23 roughly carved horse's heads. There are complex capitals - and above - a row of very fanciful corbels. I will uploud a few photos. A damaged (but still explicit) female exhibitionist. Similar sculptures can be found in France, but more often in Northern Spain, all along the camino.