Church of St. Felix, Girona facts for kids

The Collegiate Church of St. Felix (which means "Collegiate Church of Saint Felix" in Catalan) is a very old and important church in the city of Girona, Catalonia, Spain. It's also known as the Basilica of Sant Feliu. This church has been a special place for people to worship since the early days of Christianity. It was once the main church in Girona before the much larger Girona Cathedral was built.

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

What is a Basilica?

A basilica is a special type of church building. The Pope, who is the leader of the Catholic Church, gives certain churches the title of "basilica." This means they are very important and have a special history or significance. The Church of St. Felix is one of these special basilicas.

A Look at Its History

The building of the Collegiate Church of St. Felix started a very long time ago, in the 12th century. That's over 800 years ago! It wasn't finished quickly; construction continued all the way until the 17th century. This means it took hundreds of years to complete. Because it was built over such a long period, you can see different styles of architecture in the church.

Amazing Architecture

The church shows off different building styles from different times:

• Romanesque Style: Much of the church still has its original Romanesque parts. This style was popular in Europe from about the 10th to the 12th centuries. It often features thick walls, round arches, and strong, simple designs.
• Gothic Style: Later, a Gothic style was added to the main part of the church, called the nave. Gothic architecture, popular from the 12th to the 16th centuries, is known for its tall, pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and large stained-glass windows. These features make buildings feel very grand and light.
• Baroque Style: The front of the church, called the facade, was finished in the Baroque style. This style, popular in the 17th and 18th centuries, is known for being very decorative and dramatic. It often includes lots of sculptures and fancy details.

So, when you look at the Church of St. Felix, you're seeing a mix of history and art from many different centuries!

Ancient Tombs and Treasures

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

• Roman Sarcophagi: Inside, you can find eight very old Roman and early Christian sarcophagi. These are stone coffins that date back to the 3rd and 4th centuries. They are beautifully carved and give us a peek into how people were buried long, long ago.
• Tomb of Saint Narcissus: The church also holds the Gothic tomb of Narcissus of Girona. According to old stories, Saint Narcissus was one of the very first bishops of Girona. His tomb is a significant historical and religious treasure within the church.

The Collegiate Church of St. Felix is not just a place of worship; it's like a living museum that tells the story of Girona through its stones, art, and history.

See also

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