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Basilica of San Martiño de Mondoñedo facts for kids

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Basilica of San Martiño de Mondoñedo
Basílica de San Martiño de Mondoñedo
San Martiño de Mondoñedo, Foz.jpg
Religion
Affiliation Catholic Church
District Mondoñedo parish [es]
Location
Location Foz, Lugo, Galicia
Country Spain
Architecture
Architectural style Romanesque
Official name: Basílica de San Martiño de Mondoñedo
Designated June 3, 1931 (1931-06-03)
Reference no. RI-51-0000716

The Basilica of San Martiño de Mondoñedo is a very old and special church located in the town of Foz, in the Galicia region of Spain. Many people believe it is the oldest cathedral in the entire country. A cathedral is a very important church in a region.

This historic building was once the main church for two important religious leaders, called bishops, way back in the 9th century.

A Church Through the Ages

The church you can visit today was built in the Romanesque style. This style was popular in Europe during the Middle Ages and is known for its thick walls and rounded arches. Construction on the current building started in the late 11th century, over 900 years ago!

Over time, the church needed some extra support to keep it standing strong. In the 18th century, builders added large stone supports called buttresses to the outside walls. These buttresses help to hold the walls up and are a common feature on many old European cathedrals.

Today, the Basilica of San Martiño de Mondoñedo is a popular place for visitors who want to see a beautiful piece of Spanish history.

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