The Church of San Salvador, located in the municipality of Fruiz, Bizkaia, preserves a remarkable Romanesque gate as one of its most significant features. This church, originally constructed in the 12th century, has undergone various modifications over the centuries, yet its Romanesque gate remains an outstanding example of medieval craftsmanship.
The gate bears a striking resemblance in structure to many found in Araba, particularly near Vitoria, such as those in Lopidana or Gamarra Menor. It consists of three pointed archivolts, with the central one adorned with acanthus leaves. The keystone is decorated with a small bearded head. The arches rest on four columns with shafts intricately carved in a style reminiscent of EstĂbaliz and other Basque churches.
Of the four capitals, two feature vegetal motifs, while the other two are narrative or “historiated.” Among the latter, the left capital appears to depict monks or some type of religious ceremony. The right capital, however, is the one that brings prestige to the church of Fruiz. It portrays a female figure restraining two knights about to engage in combat, holding their weaponsâa spear and a sword, respectively.


