Church of María Magdalena, Zamora facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Santa María Magdalena de Zamora |
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| Native name Spanish: Iglesia de Santa María Magdalena |
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| Location | Zamora, Spain |
| Official name: Iglesia de Santa María Magdalena | |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Monument |
| Designated | 1910 |
| Reference no. | RI-51-0000099 |
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The Santa María Magdalena de Zamora is a beautiful old church located in the city of Zamora, Spain. It's a special place with a long history, built many centuries ago.
Contents
A Glimpse into History
This church, often called La Magdalena, was built way back in the 12th century. That's over 800 years ago! It was originally a small Romanesque church. Romanesque is a style of building that was popular in Europe around that time, known for its thick walls and round arches.
Knights Templar and the Order of Malta
The Santa María Magdalena church first belonged to the Knights Templar. They were a famous group of knight-monks during the Middle Ages. When the Knights Templar were no longer active, the church was given to another important group called the Order of Malta. This order also had a long history of helping people and protecting pilgrims.
Exploring the Church's Design
The church's design is a great example of Romanesque art and building. It has many interesting features both inside and out.
Outside the Church
If you look at the outside of the church, especially the south entrance, you'll see it's very detailed. The doorway goes deep into the wall and has many circular arches. These arches are decorated with fancy carvings.
One of the most striking features is the rose window. This is a large, round window that looks like a flower. It's made with many small columns, creating a beautiful pattern. This rose window is quite similar to the one found in the famous Temple Church in London.
Inside the Church
Step inside, and you'll find even more history. The interior has special tombs from the 13th century. These tombs are covered by canopies, which are like small roofs. The canopies are held up by columns that have cool spiral and wavy designs.
On the north wall, there's a tomb under a canopy supported by three columns. The tomb itself is simple, with a cross carved into it. The carving of the person buried there looks like they are lying on a bed. Above this, there's a carving of a head with wings, which represents the soul, being carried by angels.
Protecting This Historic Site
The Santa María Magdalena de Zamora church is considered a very important historical building in Spain. It has been given a special status called Bien de Interés Cultural, which means "Property of Cultural Interest." This protection has been in place since 1910, ensuring that this amazing piece of history is preserved for future generations to enjoy.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de Santa María Magdalena (Zamora) para niños
