Church of Nuestra Señora de la Purificación (Gazólaz) facts for kids
The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Purificación of Gazólaz is a really old and beautiful church located in the small village of Gazólaz. This village is part of the Cizur area in Navarre, Spain. The church was built a long, long time ago, at the very start of the 13th century. That means it's over 800 years old! Because it's so special, it was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (which means a "Property of Cultural Interest") in June 1931. This protects it as an important historical building.
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Building a Medieval Church
This amazing church was built by skilled architects who belonged to the Order of San Juan. This was a very important group of people, like a knightly order, who built many impressive structures in medieval times.
Who Ordered the Church?
Historians believe that a powerful person named Pedro Ximénez asked for the church to be built. He was the bishop of Pamplona, a very important religious leader, from 1242 to 1266. So, he likely oversaw the construction of this beautiful building.
What is Romanesque Architecture?
The Church of Gazólaz is a great example of Romanesque architecture. This style was popular in Europe from about the 10th to the 12th century, and sometimes into the 13th century, like this church. Romanesque buildings often have:
- Thick walls
- Round arches
- Strong, sturdy pillars
- Small windows
These features made the churches look very solid and powerful, almost like castles! They were built to last for centuries, and the Church of Gazólaz is a perfect example of that strength and beauty.
See also
Want to learn more? Check out the article in Spanish: Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Purificación (Gazólaz) para niños
