Murcia Cathedral facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cathedral Church of Saint Mary |
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Santa Iglesia Catedral de Santa María
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Cathedral Church of Saint Mary of the Diocese of Cartagena in Murcia
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic Church |
| Province | Diocese of Cartagena |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Cathedral |
| Location | |
| Location | Murcia, Spain |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Architectural style | Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque |
| Groundbreaking | 1394 |
| Completed | 1465 |
The Cathedral Church of Saint Mary in Murcia (Spanish: Iglesia Catedral de Santa María en Murcia), often called the Cathedral of Murcia, is a large Catholic church in Murcia, Spain. It is the main church for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cartagena. This beautiful building shows off different styles of architecture, like Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque.
Contents
History of the Cathedral
The city of Murcia was taken by the Christian king Jaime I the Conqueror in the 1260s. King Jaime I turned the main mosque, called the Great Mosque or Aljamía, into a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This was a common thing he did when he conquered new places.
Building Begins
Building the actual cathedral didn't start until the 14th century. Work on the foundations began in 1385. The very first stone was laid in 1388. After six more years, the main construction started. The cathedral was mostly finished in October 1467. However, the building kept changing and adding new parts until the 18th century. This is why you can see so many different art styles in one place!
Architectural Styles
The inside of the cathedral is mostly in the Gothic style. This means it has tall arches and large windows. The front of the cathedral, called the facade, is in the Baroque style. It was designed by a Spanish architect named Jaume Bort i Meliá.
King Alfonso X's Gift
The heart and other important organs of King Alfonso X the Wise are buried under the main altar of the cathedral. He asked for this in his will. It was a special gift to Murcia and a way to thank the city for being loyal to him.
Fire and Repairs
In 1854, a big fire damaged the cathedral. It destroyed the main altar and the choir stalls, which are seats for the choir. To fix this, a new altar was made in a style called Neo-Gothic. A huge organ was also built by a Belgian company. Under the organ, 16th-century chairs from another monastery were placed. These chairs were a gift from Queen Isabel II.
The Tall Bell Tower
The bell tower of the Cathedral of Murcia is very impressive. It was built over a long time, from 1521 to 1791. It stands about 90 meters (295 feet) tall. With its weathervane, it reaches about 95 meters (312 feet). This makes it the tallest bell tower in all of Spain!
Tower Levels and Styles
The tower has five different levels, each with a different width. It also combines many architectural styles:
- The first level was made by Francisco and Jacobo Florentino. It has a square shape and is in the Renaissance style. It also shows influences from the Spanish Plateresque style, which is known for its detailed decorations.
- The second level was made by Jerónimo Quijano. It has a similar style but is a bit simpler.
- The third floor is in the Baroque style. The main part of this floor has a Rococo style, which is very decorative. The dome on top was designed by Ventura Rodríguez in the Neoclassic style.
- On the fourth floor, there are four special rooms called conjuratories. These rooms are in each corner of the tower. Priests used to perform special ceremonies here to protect the city from storms. They would use a piece of the Lignum Crucis, which is believed to be a part of the cross of Jesus.
The Cathedral Bells
The cathedral has twenty-five bells, all made in the 17th and 18th centuries. Each bell has its own name! Some of them are:
- The Bell of the Spells
- La Catalana
- The Bell of Prayer
- La Fuensanta
- The Conception
- La Segundilla
- The greater or Agueda-Martillo, which is the main bell
These bells were very important for the people of Murcia. They were used to warn everyone about floods from the Segura River, wars, and to announce celebrations and festivals. The oldest bell, called la Campana Mora (the Moor bell), was made in the 14th century. You can see it today in the Museum of the Cathedral of Murcia.
Inside the Cathedral
The inside of the cathedral is mostly in the Gothic style. It has three main sections, called naves, and a rounded end called an apse. There are also twenty-three smaller rooms called chapels. These chapels are dedicated to the patron saints of different worker groups. They also serve as burial places for bishops and important nobles who helped build the cathedral.
Notable Chapels
Some of the most famous chapels include:
- The Chapel of the Apse or the Vélez Chapel: This chapel has a unique style called Flaming Gothic. It features a dome shaped like a star with ten points.
- The Chapel of Junterones: This is considered one of the best examples of Spanish Renaissance art.
- The Chapel of the Immaculate: This chapel is designed in the Baroque style.
Other important features inside are the detailed Plateresque chairs in the choir area and the beautiful entrance to the sacristy.
Outside the Cathedral
The exterior of the Cathedral of Murcia has many interesting parts, each with its own style and history.
Important Doors and Facades
- Door of the Apostles: This door was built in 1488 by Diego Sánchez de Almazán. It is in the Gothic style. On the sides of the door, you can see sculptures of the four apostles. There is also a shield that honors Queen Isabel the Catholic.
- Chapel of the Marquess of Vélez: This chapel has a many-sided shape. It is decorated with the shields of two important families, the Chacones and the Fajardos.
- Door of the Chains: This door is made of two parts. The bottom part is from the 16th century, and the top part is from the 18th century. It has carvings of important religious figures like San Leandro, San Isidoro, and San Fulgencio.
- Main Facade: The main front of the cathedral is in the Baroque style. It is known for its amazing beauty and unique design. It was built thanks to the church leaders and with help from Cardinal Belluga. It was designed by Jaime Bort.
- Exaltation of the Virgin Mary: This is a specific part of the facade that celebrates the Virgin Mary.
See also
In Spanish: Catedral de Murcia para niños
