2024Historical Heritage - Church Of Santa María De La Atalaia and Vidal Photographic Archive, Laxe (A Coruña) - First Day Cover

Laxe is a fishing village, presided over by the Church-fortress of Santa María de la Atalaya, in a maritime Gothic style. Its origin dates back to the 13th century but it was expanded in the 15th century by order of the Moscoso de Altamira county family, who dominated these lands, and more specifically by the wish of Doña Urraca de Moscoso's mother. In addition to being religious, its function was also defense and surveillance (watchtower) since its thick walls and buttresses provided protection in case of attacks by sea. It has a rich decoration in granite stone, which stands out for its medieval frieze located on the main altar, which contemplates five scenes of the Resurrection of Christ, and whose singularity makes it unique within the religious iconography of Galicia and Spain.