Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Prado facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Prado |
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Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Prado
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| General information | |
| Classification | Bien de Interés Cultural |
| Town or city | Talavera de la Reina |
| Country | Spain |
| Coordinates | 39°57′41″N 4°49′15″W / 39.961295°N 4.820759°W |
| Owner | Ayuntamiento de Talavera de la Reina |
The Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Prado is a beautiful Roman Catholic church in Talavera de la Reina, Spain. It is also known by its Spanish name, Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Prado. This special building has a long history and unique features.
Contents
Exploring the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Prado
A Look at Its History
Long ago, the spot where the basilica stands was home to a temple. This ancient temple was dedicated to Ceres, the Roman goddess of farming and animals.
The church you see today started to take shape in 1649. A new building was constructed, replacing an older, smaller chapel. The basilica shows off two cool building styles: Renaissance and Baroque. Renaissance style often uses balanced shapes and classical ideas. Baroque style is more dramatic and decorative.
Design and Features
The basilica's floor plan is shaped like a Latin cross. This means it has a long main section with shorter arms crossing it. The main part of the church, called the nave, has a barrel vault ceiling. This type of ceiling looks like a long, half-cylinder.
Inside, you can see many amazing decorative tiles. These tiles were made in the 1500s and 1600s. They are a great example of the famous Talavera de la Reina pottery.
Special Recognition
The Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Prado received a very special title. On February 14, 1989, John Paul II, who was the Pope at the time, declared it a "minor basilica". This means it's a church with special importance, often because of its history or a significant religious event. It was officially recognized in November 1989.
In 1993, the basilica and its nearby gardens were named a Bien de Interés Cultural. This Spanish title means "Property of Cultural Interest". It's like saying the building is a very important historical treasure. The city government of Talavera de la Reina owns the building.
Images for kids
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Ornamental tiles inside the basilica
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Another view of the basilica
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A closer look at the dome
See also
In Spanish: Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Prado para niños
