Resumo
According to the words of the early Christian writers, churches should be oriented, i.e. the priest should be facing east (oriens) while praying. However, this prescription offers a wide diversity of interpretations. This review aims at summarizing the work done so far regarding Church orientation with especial emphasis on the works carried out in the last decades. A general eastern orientation appears common to all areas and epochs although it is far from clear what ?oriens? was intended. Some possibilities are explored. Contrasting to the common picture of eastern orientations possible regional variations appear. It is discussed if these variations are due to local interpretations of the general rule or if they stem from the different methodological approaches carried out by the researchers. In those cases where a regional variation could be identified possible symbolic, ritual or political aspects are explored and contrasted.
Palabras chave
Church orientations. Medieval astronomy. Medieval Church.