Lithological maps of churches in the Diocese of Vitoria (Spain): Space–time distribution of building stones and ancient quarries

Analysis from a Geographic Information System of lithological maps of 487 churches has provided a picture of spatial and temporal distribution of building stones in the Diocese of Vitoria up until 1900 AD. Spatially, each lithology is placed according to building use. Geographically, masonry work always employed local stones, however, for more specific uses such as ashlar work, sculptures, vaults and tombs, the lithologies came from all over the zone studied. Temporally speaking, it can be seen that certain lithologies were preferred for particular architectural styles. This evolution could be explained by the impossibility of mechanically extracting stones from the quarry face. The original quarries are always located on high mountain chains close to mountain passes.