Basilica of Saints Justus and Pastor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Basilica of Saints Justus and Pastor |
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Església dels Sants Just i Pastor
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 Basilica of Saints Justus and Pastor
Location in Barcelona
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| 41°22′58″N 2°10′41″E / 41.38278°N 2.17806°E | |
| Location | Barcelona |
| Country | Spain |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| History | |
| Status | Basilica |
| Dedication | Sainta Justus and Pastor |
| Administration | |
| Archdiocese | Barcelona |
The Basilica of Saints Justus and Pastor is a beautiful old church in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It's also known by its Catalan name, Església dels Sants Just i Pastor.
A basilica is a special type of church that has been given an important title by the Pope. In 1948, this church became the sixth one in Barcelona to be called a minor basilica. This special honor was given by Pope Pius XII.
Contents
History of the Basilica
Building a Gothic Church
The building of this amazing Gothic church started a very long time ago, on February 1, 1342. It took many years to finish, finally being completed in 1574.
This church was built on a spot that already had a long history. Before it, there was an older Romanesque church. Even before that, there was a small chapel called Sant Celoni.
By 1363, the first three parts of the main area of the church, called the nave, were finished. The ceiling at the back of the church was completed in the century that followed.
Adding the Front and Bell Tower
The front of the church, called the façade, and its bell tower, or belfry, were built later. Their construction continued into the 16th century.
Some of the skilled builders who worked on these parts were Pere Blai, Joan Safont, and Joan Granja.
Changes Over Time
The church has been updated and changed many times throughout its history. In the 1800s, the choir area was moved from the middle of the church to the back, near the altar. Because of this, the altar itself was also moved forward.
The front of the church was rebuilt between 1880 and 1887. This was done in a style called Gothic Revival, which means it looked like old Gothic buildings but was built more recently. Josep Oriol Mestres was the architect for this work.
More changes happened in the 1900s. In 1904, a chapel called Santíssim was updated by August Font i Carreras. Later, in 1944, some of the colorful paintings and decorations from the 1800s were removed from the main part of the church.
In 1946, the church went through another big restoration. This work was overseen by the architect Jeroni Martorell i Terrats.
Becoming a Minor Basilica
As mentioned earlier, in 1948, the church received the special title of minor basilica. This important recognition was given by Pope Pius XII. It shows the church's historical and religious importance.
Images for kids
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The beautiful front of the Basilica of Saints Justus and Pastor.
See also
In Spanish: Basílica de los Santos Justo y Pastor para niños
