Church of San Sebastián, Toledo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids San Sebastián
39°51′13″N 4°01′32″W / 39.8535°N 4.0255°W / 39.8535; -4.0255
Location	Toledo
Country	Spain
History
Former name(s)	AL-Dabbagin mosque
Founded	10th century
Dedication	St Sebastian
Architecture
Architectural type	Mudejar
Completed	15th century

The San Sebastián Church is a very old building in Toledo, Spain. It used to be a mosque, which is a place of worship for Muslims. After Toledo was taken back by Christian kingdoms, it was changed into a church. Today, it is a protected historical building in Spain.

History of San Sebastián Church

Scientists who study old buildings have found that the San Sebastián Church was first built in the 10th century. It was a mosque called Al-Dabbagin. This mosque was made bigger in the 11th century. It was located near an old city gate and some ancient baths.

After the city of Toledo was won back by Christian forces in 1085, the building became a church. It was one of a few churches where people could still use a special old Christian prayer style called the Mozarabic Rite. The church was rebuilt and changed in the late 12th or 13th century.

Architecture: A Mix of Styles

The San Sebastián Church shows off a special building style called Mudéjar. This style mixes Christian and Islamic art and building ideas. You can see beautiful Arabic decorations inside. The church's tower, built in the 15th century, used to be a minaret. A minaret is a tall tower on a mosque from which people are called to prayer.

Today: Concerts and Art Shows

Since 1916, the Consorcio de Toledo group has taken care of the building. Now, the San Sebastián Church is used as a place for concerts and art exhibitions. It's a cool spot where modern artists can show their work. For example, in 2017, artist Lita Mora had an art show there. In 2018, a Swiss artist named Daniel Garbade also had an exhibition called "In Bed with Greco and Picasso."

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  Entrance of the church

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  Exhibitions in the Church of San Sebastian

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  Interior of the church

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  Location of the church in Toledo

See also

In Spanish: Iglesia de San Sebastián (Toledo) para niños

• Mezquita de las Tornerias
• Mosque of Cristo de la Luz