Basilica of Begoña facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Basilica of BegoñaBegoñako basilika |
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Steeple of the basilica.
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| District | Begoña |
| Province | Biscay |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Parish |
| Year consecrated | 16th century |
| Location | |
| Location | Bilbao, Spain |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Basilica |
| Architectural style | Gothic and Baroque |
| Specifications | |
| Direction of façade | West |
| Spire(s) | 1 |
| Materials | limestone |
The Basilica of Begoña is a special church in Bilbao, Spain. It is dedicated to the Virgin Begoña, who is the patron saint of a region called Biscay. A patron saint is like a special protector.
The current parish priest, who leads the church, is Jesús Francisco de Garitaonandia.
Contents
History of the Basilica
Building a Grand Church
The Basilica of Begoña started being built in the 1500s. It was designed by an architect named Sancho Martínez de Arego. The church has three main sections inside, called naves. It took about 100 years to finish building the arched ceilings, known as vaults, which were completed in the 1600s.
When the church was being built, the popular Gothic style started to change. It began to mix with ideas from the Renaissance style. You can see this mix in the main entrance, which was built in the mid-1500s. The rest of the building, however, still looks purely Gothic.
Challenges and Repairs
In the 1800s, the basilica was damaged because it was part of Bilbao's city wall. A general named Tomás de Zumalacárregui was hurt near the church during a conflict.
The tower and some parts of the outside of the church were rebuilt later. This work happened between 1902 and 1907, and the new design was by José María Basterra.
In 1942, there was an incident near the church where some small explosions happened. The church was later repaired from any damage.
Modern Restoration
From September 1993 to June 1994, the basilica went through a big cleaning and repair project. Workers carefully cleaned the stone walls. They also fixed the clock face and the bells in the clock tower.
The clock tower has 24 bells, and the heaviest one weighs a whole tonne! These bells were made in Sumiswald, Switzerland. The clock tower itself has been around since 1922. Today, the bells can play seven different songs.
La Salve and the Basilica's View
The "La Salve" is a neighborhood in Bilbao. It got its name because of the basilica! Sailors returning home up the Nervión river, which flows through the city, would see the basilica's tall steeple for the very first time from this spot.
When they saw the steeple, they would start to pray to the Virgin Begoña. They thanked her for keeping them safe during their time at sea.
Festivities and Celebrations
The biggest celebrations at the Basilica of Begoña happen twice a year. One is on August 15th, which is the day of the Assumption of Mary. The other is on October 11th, which is the saint day of Begoña.
On these special days, a midnight mass is held. Many people, both locals and visitors, go on pilgrimages to the basilica to worship. A pilgrimage is a special journey to a holy place.
Even today, many sailors remember how important the building is. Because of this, "Virgen de Begoña" or "Begoña" are popular names for ships and boats.
You can visit the basilica from Monday to Friday. It is open from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM and again from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
See also
In Spanish: Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Begoña para niños
- List of carillons
