Basílica de Santa María la Real de Covadonga facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Basílica de Santa María la Real de Covadonga/Cuadonga |
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| Location | Covadonga/Cuadonga, Cangas de Onís/Cangues d'Onís, Asturias |
| Country | Spain |
| Denomination | Basilica |
| History | |
| Status | Basilica |
| Dedication | Our Lady of Covadonga |
| Consecrated | September 11, 1901 |
| Cult(s) present | Catholic |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architect(s) | Roberto Frassinelli (design) Federico Aparici (construction) |
| Style | Neo-Romanque |
| Groundbreaking | 1877 |
| Completed | 1901 |
The Basílica de Santa María la Real de Covadonga is a beautiful Catholic church in Covadonga/Cuadonga, Asturias, Spain. It is a very special place that was named a "basilica" on September 11, 1901. This church was designed by a German architect named Roberto Frassinelli. It was built between 1877 and 1901 by architect Federico Aparici y Soriano. The church is made entirely of pink limestone. It looks like old Romanesque buildings, a style called Neo-Romanesque.
Contents
A Look Back: The Basilica's Story
The Old Church and a Big Fire
Long ago, in 1777, there was an old church next to the Holy Cave. This cave is where people honor Our Lady of Covadonga. Sadly, a big fire destroyed that old church. After the fire, people decided to build a grand new church. They wanted it to be a special place of worship. Donations came in from all over Spain to help build it.
A New Plan and a King's Interest
The local council didn't fully agree with the first big plan. The church leaders wanted to rebuild the temple in the Holy Cave. They also wanted to build a very ambitious sanctuary. This sanctuary had been designed by Ventura Rodríguez but was never finished.
About a hundred years later, in the late 1800s, the project was started again. Alfonso XII, who was the King of Spain, was very interested in finishing this important work. The original design by Ventura Rodríguez was too difficult and expensive to build. So, a new design was chosen. This new plan was in a "neo-Medieval" style.
The Architects Behind the Basilica
The new project was thought up by Roberto Frassinelli. He was known as The German of Corao. Frassinelli was more of an artist than an architect. Because of this, Federico Aparici y Soriano took over the construction. Aparici had studied at the important Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando. Even though Aparici was in charge, Frassinelli was still able to guide the work. The basilica was finally finished in 1901.
What's Around the Basilica?
Outside the basilica, there are several interesting things to see:
- La Campanona (The Big Bell): This huge bell is three meters tall. It was made in 1900 in La Felguera. The bell weighs 4,000 kilograms (about 8,800 pounds). An Italian count named Sizzo-Noris donated it.
- Bronze statue of Pelagius: This statue was made in 1964 by Eduardo Zaragoza. Pelagius was an important leader in early Spanish history.
- The Obelisk with the Victory Cross: This monument was built in 1857. It was created by Philippe d'Orléans, who was the Duke of Montpensier. People say this was the spot where Pelagius was crowned as the first King of Asturies.
- San Pedro Monastery: This old monastery is considered a Bien de Interés Cultural (a protected cultural site). It was founded by Alfonso I of Asturias.
See also
- Asturian art
- Catholic Church in Spain
