Church of Saint Anthony of the Germans facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of Saint Anthony of the Germans |
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| Native name Spanish: Iglesia de San Antonio de los Alemanes |
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| Location | Madrid, Spain |
| Official name: Iglesia de San Antonio de los Alemanes | |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Monument |
| Designated | 1973 |
| Reference no. | RI-51-0003915 |
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The Church of Saint Anthony of the Germans (Spanish: San Antonio de los Alemanes) is a beautiful old church in Madrid, Spain. It is famous for its amazing interior design. The church was built in the Baroque style. It was officially recognized as a special historical monument in 1973. You can find it at the corner of Calle de la Puebla and Corredera Baja de San Pablo.
Contents
History of the Church
Building a Special Church
This church was built a long time ago, between the 1620s and 1630s. King Felipe III ordered it to be built. It was designed by an architect named Pedro Sánchez. The church also had a place for people to stay and a hospital. These were for Portuguese people who moved to Madrid. At that time, Portugal was part of Spain. So, it was first called the Hospital de los Portugueses.
A New Name for a New Purpose
Later, Portugal became independent from Spain. King Phillip IV's wife, Queen Mariana de Austria, changed the church's purpose. She decided it should help German immigrants instead. That's why its name changed to "Saint Anthony of the Germans."
Helping People Today
King Phillip V later gave the church to a group called the Hermandad del Refugio. This group is like a charity. They still manage the church today. They help people in Madrid who do not have homes. They offer them food and a place to stay.
About Saint Anthony of Padua
The church is named after Saint Anthony of Padua. He is known as the patron saint of the poor. Saint Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1198. He became a friar, first with the Augustinians, then with the Franciscan order. He was famous for his powerful speeches. He preached in France and Italy. Saint Anthony died in Padua in 1231 when he was 36 years old. Many people believe he helps find lost items.
Amazing Art Inside
The church has beautiful paintings called frescoes. These were painted by two famous artists: Luca Giordano and Francisco Ricci.
Luca Giordano's Work
Luca Giordano was a very busy painter from Naples. He worked for Charles II of Spain from 1692 to 1702. He painted in important places like the Royal Palace of Aranjuez and the Buen Retiro Palace. People called him "Luca-get-it-done-fast" (Luca fà-presto) because he painted so quickly. There's a story that the Queen once asked him what his wife looked like. He then painted her image right into the artwork he was working on!
Francisco Ricci's Work
Francisco Ricci was the son of an Italian painter. He came to Madrid to help decorate the Escorial Monastery. He worked there under another artist named Federico Zuccaro.
Visiting the Church
This beautiful Baroque church is easy to find. It is a short walk from the Gran Vía. The closest Metro station is Callao.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de San Antonio de los Alemanes para niños
- Catholic Church in Spain
- History of early modern period domes
- List of oldest church buildings
