Church of Santa María de Junco facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of Santa María de Junco |
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 Church of Santa María de Junco
Location in Spain
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| 43°26′27″N 5°03′50″W / 43.44083°N 5.06389°W | |
| Location | Asturias,  Spain |
The Church of Santa María de Junco (which means Saint Mary of Junco Church in Spanish) is a very old Roman Catholic church. It is built in the Romanesque style. You can find this church in a town called Ribadesella, located in Asturias, Spain. This church was first built a long, long time ago, in the early 13th century. That means it's over 800 years old!
Contents
What is Romanesque Architecture?
The Church of Santa María de Junco is a great example of Romanesque architecture. This style was popular in Europe from about the 10th to the 12th century, and sometimes into the 13th century, like this church.
Key Features of Romanesque Buildings
Romanesque buildings, especially churches, have some special features:
- Thick Walls: They often have very thick stone walls. This made the buildings strong and stable.
- Round Arches: You'll see lots of round arches over windows and doors. These look like half-circles.
- Small Windows: Because the walls were so thick, the windows were usually small. This kept the inside cool in summer and warm in winter.
- Strong Shapes: Romanesque churches often look very solid and powerful. They were built to last!
Why Churches Were Built This Way
In the past, building techniques were different. Romanesque architects used simple, strong shapes. They often built churches like fortresses to show the power and importance of the church. These buildings were also places of safety and community for people.
History of the Church
The Church of Santa María de Junco was built in the early 1200s. Imagine all the history it has seen! For centuries, it has been a place for people to gather and worship.
Life in the 13th Century
When this church was built, life in Spain was very different.
- Most people lived in small villages.
- Churches were central to community life.
- Building a church like this took many years and a lot of hard work from local people.
Location in Asturias, Spain
The church is in Ribadesella, a town in Asturias. Asturias is a beautiful region in northern Spain. It's known for its green landscapes, mountains, and coastline.
Ribadesella and Its Surroundings
Ribadesella is a coastal town. It's famous for its natural beauty and historical sites. The Church of Santa María de Junco is one of these important historical buildings. It helps us understand the history and culture of the region.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de Santa María de Junco para niños
