Church of St. Felix, Girona facts for kids

The Collegiate Church of Sant Felix, as seen from the river Onyar.

The Collegiate Church of St. Felix (also known as Col·legiata de Sant Feliu in Catalan) is an important old church in the city of Girona, Catalonia, Spain. It's dedicated to a saint named St. Felix. This church has been around since the very early days of Christianity!

For a long time, the Church of St. Felix was the main church in Girona. It was even more important than the Girona Cathedral before the cathedral was built. Today, it's still a very special place, holding the offices for the local church area, called the Parish of Sant Feliu, within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Girona.

Discovering the Church of St. Felix

The Collegiate Church of St. Felix is a famous landmark in Girona. It's known for its long history and beautiful mix of building styles. People visit to see its ancient tombs and learn about the city's past.

When Was the Church Built?

Building the Church of St. Felix took a very long time. It started in the 12th century and wasn't fully finished until the 17th century. Imagine a building that took 500 years to complete! This long building period means the church shows off many different architectural styles.

What Styles Can You See?

The church is a mix of old and newer designs:

• Romanesque Style: Much of the church's original structure is in the Romanesque style. This means it has thick walls, round arches, and strong, simple shapes.
• Gothic Nave: Later, a Gothic nave was added. The nave is the main part of the church where people sit. Gothic style is known for its tall, pointed arches and large windows.
• Baroque Facade: The front of the church, called the facade, was finished in the Baroque style. This style is often very decorative and grand, with lots of details.

Ancient Tombs and Sarcophagi

One of the most interesting things about the Church of St. Felix is its ancient tombs.

• Roman Sarcophagi: Inside, you can see eight Roman and early Christian sarcophagi. These are stone coffins from the 3rd and 4th centuries. They show how old the Christian presence in Girona truly is.
• Tomb of St. Narcissus: The church also has the Gothic tomb of Narcissus of Girona. According to old stories, St. Narcissus was one of the very first bishops of Girona. His tomb is a significant historical and religious treasure.

The Collegiate Church of St. Felix is a wonderful place to explore history, art, and faith all in one spot. It tells the story of Girona through its stones and ancient relics.

See also

In Spanish: Iglesia de San Félix (Gerona) para niños