Church of Sancti Spiritus facts for kids
The Church of Sancti Spiritus (in Spanish: Iglesia de Sancti Spiritus) is an important church located in Salamanca, Spain. It was officially declared a special historical monument, called a Bien de Interés Cultural, in 1888.
Quick facts for kids Church of Sancti Spiritus |
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| Native name Spanish: Iglesia de Sancti Spiritus |
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| Location | Salamanca, Spain |
| Official name: Iglesia de Sancti Spiritus | |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Monument |
| Designated | 1888 |
| Reference no. | RI-51-0000055 |
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History of the Church
The church started as a convent in 1268. It was founded by Martín Alfonso, who was the son of King Alfonso IX of León, and his wife, María Méndez de Sousa. In 1269, they gave the convent to the Order of Santiago, a special group of knights.
This convent was one of the two most important hospitals run by the Order of Santiago in the kingdom of León. It was a very significant place for them.
Between 1268 and 1379, four important women supported the monastery. The first was María Méndez de Sousa, who helped start it. The others were Queen María de Molina, Violante Sánchez de Castilla, and Queen Juana Manuel de Villena. She was the wife of King Henry II of Castile. Even though the kings of Castile didn't give money to the monastery, they often confirmed its special rights. They also protected it when it had problems with the Order of Santiago or the city of Salamanca.
The convent of Santa Ana welcomed the wives of knights from Salamanca who went to war. Because of this, the nuns became known as "Commanders." Since the convent was connected to the Order of Santiago, it was called Comendadoras de Santiago.
In 1836, the Spanish government took over many church properties. This event was called the Spanish Confiscation. After this, the convent was turned into a prison. Later, it was used for other city services, like the municipal police. In 1965, the entire building was torn down. Today, there are houses on the site, and a new street called Rondín de Santi-Spiritus runs nearby.
Church Building Details
The church was renovated in the mid-1500s. It mixed the old Gothic style with new Plateresque decorations. Inside, you can see the choir and a chapel with a special Mudejar wooden ceiling from the 1400s and 1500s. There's also a statue called the Cristo de los Milagro (Christ of Miracles) from the 1300s. The main altarpiece was made by Antonio de Paz. The tombs of Martín Alfonso de León and María Méndez de Sousa are in the front part of the church, but they are not in good condition.
On the outside, the Renaissance-style front of the church is very striking. It has many sculptures, including pictures of the six triumphs from a famous poem by Petrarch. You can also find round carvings with the faces of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. There is also a scene showing Santiago (Saint James) in the battle of Clavijo. The nuns believed that Saint James promised victory to the Christians in battle if the first Christian soldier to die gave his belongings to the convent.
Royal Tombs
Three important people from the royal families of León and Castile were buried in the church between the 1200s and 1300s:
- Martín Alfonso de León, who was the son of King Alfonso IX of León.
- María Méndez de Sousa, his wife.
- Violante Sánchez de Castilla, who was the daughter of King Sancho IV of Castile.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de Sancti Spiritus (Salamanca) para niños
- List of Bien de Interés Cultural in the Province of Salamanca
- Iglesia de Sancti Spiritus (Salamanca)
