Church of St Mary Magdalene, Tudela facts for kids

Santa María Magdalena (which means Saint Mary Magdalene) is an old Roman Catholic church. You can find it in a city called Tudela in the Navarre region of Spain. It's a special building built in the Romanesque style. This means it has thick walls, rounded arches, and often beautiful carvings.

History of the Church

How the Church Began

The city of Tudela was taken over by a king named Alfonso the Battler in the year 1129. Even before this, there were people living in Tudela called Mozarabs. These were Christians who lived under Muslim rule and kept their own traditions.

The Santa María Magdalena church was built around the late 1100s. It might have even been built on the same spot where an older Mozarabic church once stood.

What the Church Looks Like

Main entrance and tower of the Magdalena church in Tudela, Navarra, Spain

The main entrance of the church is called a portal. It is beautifully carved with many detailed pictures. These carvings show scenes from the Bible and also everyday life from long ago.

The church also has a tall bell-tower. This tower is also built in the Romanesque style. It features many rounded arches, which are a key part of Romanesque architecture.

Inside the church, you can see a large, golden altarpiece. This altarpiece is called a retablo. It was made in the 1500s and is dedicated to Mary Magdalen. An altarpiece is a decorated screen or panel that stands behind the altar in a church.

Over the years, during the 1500s and 1600s, smaller chapels were added to the church. These chapels are like small rooms used for prayer or special services.

Protecting the Church

Why the Church is Important

The Santa María Magdalena church is very important because of its history and beautiful architecture. To make sure it is protected for future generations, it was given a special status in 1983.

This status is called Bien de Interés Cultural. It means "Property of Cultural Interest." It's like saying the church is a national treasure that needs to be carefully looked after and preserved.

See also

In Spanish: Iglesia de Santa María Magdalena (Tudela) para niños