Church of San Juan Bautista (Arucas) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Arucas Church |
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Church of Saint John the Baptist | |
Spanish: Parroquia Matriz de San Juan Bautista
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View of the main church's flank, showing its stonework, rose window, and a steeple
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28°07′07″N 15°31′23″W / 28.1186°N 15.5230°W | |
Location | Arucas, Gran Canaria |
Country | Spain |
Denomination | Roman Catholic |
History | |
Founder(s) | Bishop Fernando Vázquez de Arce |
Dedication | John the Baptist |
Consecrated | 1917 |
Architecture | |
Functional status | Active |
Style | Neo-Gothic |
Years built | 68 |
Groundbreaking | 1909 |
Completed | 1977 |
Specifications | |
Number of spires | 4 |
Materials | stone |
The Church of Saint John the Baptist, also known as Arucas Church, is a beautiful Catholic church. You can find it in the old part of Arucas, a town on the island of Gran Canaria. This island is one of the Canary Islands in Spain.
This church is very special because of its huge size. Many people even call it The Arucas Cathedral. However, it's important to know that it's not actually a cathedral. A cathedral is the main church of a bishop's area.
Contents
Building the Arucas Church
The construction of this amazing church began a long time ago. Workers started building it on March 19, 1909. It took many years to complete.
A Long Construction Journey
The church was first opened for people to worship in 1917. But even then, it wasn't fully finished! The building work kept going for decades. It finally reached completion in 1977. This means it took over 68 years to build the entire church. Imagine working on something for that long!
What is Neo-Gothic Style?
The Arucas Church is built in a style called Neo-Gothic. This means it looks like the grand Gothic churches from the Middle Ages. Think of tall spires, pointed arches, and large windows. These features make the church look very impressive and reach towards the sky.
Materials Used
The church is made mostly of stone. This strong material gives it a solid and lasting appearance. The detailed stonework is one of the things that makes the church so beautiful.
Why is it Called Saint John the Baptist?
The church is dedicated to John the Baptist. This means it is named in his honor. Many churches around the world are named after important religious figures.
Location and Importance
The Arucas Church stands proudly in the heart of Arucas. It is a very important landmark for the town. Its tall towers and detailed design make it a must-see for visitors. It shows the rich history and culture of the area.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia matriz de San Juan Bautista (Arucas) para niños