We have here the only paintings of an interior that during the Middle Ages must have been largely polychrome. In the middle of the last century, in the restorations of medieval buildings, the chipping of the wall coverings was consolidated as a «beautifying» measure. Following this trend, which highlighted the artistic value of the exposed stone, a large part of the artistic history of our medieval heritage has been lost. These remains of painting that we see now have come down to us as the painting was protected by the organ case.
Fortunately, the mural paintings of Ujué preserve the necessary elements to make a positive identification of both their creator as well as their patrons. From the inscription, we know that its author was Martinet de Sangüesa. The Gurrea family coat of arms place its date of composition between 1327 and 1359.

Unfortunately the paintings have only partially come to us. On the left side is the Virgin and Child. She holds a butterfly in her hands. In the right frame there are three characters who appear to be on horseback. They seem to be hunting. The one in the centre, with a crown, turns his face towards the Virgin with a sad and frightened gesture. Unfortunately, the other half of the scene is missing. Among the ochre grout of the wall, the diffuse shapes of branches or trees can be seen. We have also lost practically all the inscriptions that accompanied the painting.
The scene has been identified as the «encounter of the three living with the three dead». The story is as follows: three young noblemen find themselves in the forest with three corpses. The latter warn the nobles of the futility of material life, and are recommended to follow Christ in order to attain salvation. It is common that, as in this case, the encounter occurs during a hunt with the living on horseback accompanied by dogs and hawks. In addition to a funerary reference, such themes were particularly frequent in art and literature after the spread of the great plagues of 1348. Nevertheless, the analogous paintings preserved in the Iberian Peninsula can be counted on the fingers of one hand.
We have already talked about some of the most relevant issues of the Sanctuary of Santa María de Ujué. Let’s continue the visit outside. But take your time. Observe, think, feel, pray… Enjoy the presence of a site where more than a thousand years are concentrated before your eyes.
Then, we will wait for you at the access to the gallery which surrounds the exterior of the Romanesque chancel, to the left of the south door in the direction of the exit. If we go up the tower past the door is the modern spiral staircase. Go up to the first floor. Once you get there press number 12.
If we are not going to climb the tower we turn to the right from the south façade and press number 19.