Astorga Cathedral facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Almería Cathedral |
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|---|---|
| Cathedral of Saint Mary | |
| Catedral de Santa María | |
West façade in 2021.
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| 42°27′28″N 6°03′25″W / 42.45778°N 6.05694°W | |
| Location | Astorga |
| Country | Spain |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| History | |
| Status | Cathedral |
| Dedication | Mary, mother of Jesus |
| Dedicated | 1069 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Juan de Colonia, Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón |
| Style | Late Gothic (interior), Baroque (west façade) |
| Groundbreaking | 1471 |
| Administration | |
| Metropolis | Oviedo |
| Diocese | Astorga |
The Cathedral of Saint Mary is a famous Roman Catholic church in Astorga, Spain. People also call it Catedral de Santa María in Spanish. This amazing building was made a national monument in 1931. It is a very important historical site.
Contents
Building the Astorga Cathedral
The construction of this grand church started in 1471. It was built on the same spot where older churches stood. These older churches were built between the 11th and 13th centuries. The building work on the current cathedral took a very long time. It continued all the way until the 18th century.
A Mix of Styles
Because it took so long to build, the cathedral shows many different architectural styles. Its main design is Gothic. But you can also see parts added later. For example, the cloister, which is a covered walkway, was built in the 18th century in a Neo-Classicist style.
The towers, the decorative tops (capitals), and the front of the church (façade) are in the Baroque style. The entrance area (portico) shows Renaissance design. This mix of styles makes the cathedral unique. It has a rectangular shape and is very bright inside. Its design is quite similar to some Gothic churches in Germany.
Artworks Inside the Cathedral
The inside of the Astorga Cathedral is full of beautiful art. You can find many sculptures and paintings here.
Famous Art Pieces
One important artwork is the retablo of St. Michael. A retablo is a large, decorated screen behind the altar. This one shows a mix of Flemish and Spanish art styles.
The main high altar is another masterpiece. It was created by Gaspar Becerra in 1558. This altar is considered one of the best examples of Spanish Renaissance sculpture.
Other Sculptures
You can also see other impressive sculptures:
- The "Purísima" was made by Gregorio Fernández in 1626.
- "St. John the Baptist and St. Jerome" were sculpted by Mateo del Prado in the 17th century.
- The "Christ of the Waters" is an older sculpture from the 14th century.
The Episcopal Palace
Right next to the cathedral, you'll find the Episcopal Palace. This building has a Neo-medieval style. It was designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. He is known for his unique and imaginative buildings, especially in Barcelona.
See also
In Spanish: Catedral de Astorga para niños
