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Church of San Miguel (Jerez de la Frontera) facts for kids

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Church of Saint Michael
Native name
Spanish: Iglesia de San Miguel
San Miguel Fachada Jerez.JPG
Location Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
Official name: Iglesia de San Miguel
Type Non-movable
Criteria Monument
Designated 1931
Reference no. RI-51-0000497
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The Church of Saint Michael (in Spanish: Iglesia de San Miguel) is a beautiful old church in Jerez de la Frontera, a city in Spain. It's a very important building, so it was named a Bien de Interés Cultural (which means a "Property of Cultural Interest") in 1931. This makes it a protected national treasure!

A Look Back in Time

The Church of Saint Michael started being built a long, long time ago, at the end of the 1400s. A special stone plaque near the front door even has the year 1484 carved on it. People believe that the church was ordered by the Catholic Monarchs (King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella) when they visited the city in 1484. Before this grand church, there was just a small, old chapel in the area.

Building the church took many centuries to finish! Because of this, you can see different styles of architecture mixed together. It has parts from the late Gothic period, which is known for its tall, pointed arches and fancy decorations. You can also see elements from the early and full Renaissance and Baroque styles. This mix makes it look almost like a cathedral!

What Does It Look Like Inside?

The church has a rectangular shape when you look at it from above. Inside, it is divided into three long sections called naves. The middle nave has a much higher ceiling than the ones on the sides. Between each nave, there are tall, decorated pillars called pilasters. These pilasters are carved in a beautiful, flowery Gothic style. Many people think this church is one of the most impressive temples in the city of Jerez.

See also

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