kids encyclopedia robot

Church of Santa María de Villanueva facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Church of Santa María de Villanueva
Iglesia de Santa María (Villanueva) 010.jpg
Location Asturias,  Spain

The Church of Santa María de Villanueva (which means Saint Mary of Villanueva Church in Spanish) is a very old church located in Asturias, Spain. It is a Roman Catholic parish church, meaning it is a place where people in the local community go to worship. The church is built in a style called Romanesque. This style was popular a long time ago, known for its thick walls and round arches.

History of the Church

The Church of Santa María de Villanueva has a long and interesting history. Some parts of the church are very old, dating back to before the 12th century. This means some parts were built more than 800 years ago! For example, you can see old carved stone decorations on the tops of the columns inside the church.

Changes Over Time

Even though it is very old, the church has been updated and repaired many times. These updates are called refurbishments. Over the centuries, different parts of the church were probably added or changed to keep it strong and beautiful. This mix of old and new parts makes the church special.

What is Romanesque Architecture?

Romanesque architecture was a popular building style in Europe from about the 10th to the 12th centuries. Churches built in this style often have very strong, thick walls and small windows. They also feature rounded arches over doors and windows, and sometimes have tall towers. The Church of Santa María de Villanueva is a great example of this ancient building style.

Location and Importance

The church is located in the municipality of Teverga, which is part of the Asturias region in northern Spain. It is an important historical building in the area. Places like this church help us understand how people lived and built things many centuries ago. It is a protected landmark because of its historical and artistic value.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Iglesia de Santa María (Villanueva) para niños

kids search engine
Church of Santa María de Villanueva Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.