Church of Santiago (A Coruña) facts for kids
The Church of Santiago (in Galician, Igrexa de Santiago) is an old Catholic church located in A Coruña, a city in Galicia, Spain. It was built a very long time ago, in the 12th century, making it the oldest religious building in A Coruña.
This church is so important that it was officially named a historic monument on August 18, 1972. Today, it is known as a Bien de Interés Cultural, which means it's a special cultural heritage site in Spain.
Contents
History of the Church
How the Church Was Built
The Church of Santiago was constructed in the second half of the 12th century. It was built in a style called Romanesque, which was popular for buildings at that time. This style often features thick walls, round arches, and strong, simple designs.
Over the years, the church had to be repaired many times. This was mostly because of fires that happened. But each time, it was rebuilt and kept its important historical look.
Ancient Treasures Inside
Inside the church, you can find some very old altars. These altars actually came from Roman times and were brought from the famous Tower of Hercules. The Tower of Hercules is an ancient Roman lighthouse, also located in A Coruña.
An Important Meeting Place
During the Middle Ages, the Church of Santiago was considered the most important church in A Coruña. It was so central to the city's life that the City Council, which is like the local government, used to meet in its front courtyard. They continued to hold their meetings there until the end of the 15th century.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de Santiago (La Coruña) para niños
