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Co-Cathedral of Santa María, Vigo facts for kids

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Co-Cathedral of Santa María
Concatedral de Santa María de Vigo
Co-cathedral of Vigo 2021 - exterior 2.jpg
Facade of the building.
Religion
Affiliation Roman Catholic
Ecclesiastical or organizational status Co-Cathedral
Location
Location Vigo, Spain
Architecture
Architectural style Baroque, neoclassical
Completed 1834
Direction of façade West

The Co-Cathedral of Santa María, also known as the Vigo Co-Cathedral, is a very important church in Vigo, Spain. It shares its special 'cathedral' status with the Tui Cathedral. This means it's one of two main churches in the area. The original church building was damaged in 1585. It was then rebuilt in a beautiful new style.

What is a Co-Cathedral?

A co-cathedral is a church that shares the role of a cathedral with another church. Cathedrals are usually the main church of a diocese. A diocese is an area managed by a bishop. In this case, the Co-Cathedral of Santa María shares this special role. It works alongside the Tui Cathedral.

A Look at Its History

The history of the Co-Cathedral of Santa María is quite interesting. The first church on this spot was much older. Sadly, it was badly damaged in 1585. This happened during a time when Francis Drake, an English explorer, was active in the area.

After the damage, the people of Vigo decided to rebuild. They wanted a grand new church. The construction of the current building started much later. It was finally finished in 1834. This new church was built in a popular style of that time.

Architectural Style and Design

The Co-Cathedral of Santa María shows off two main architectural styles. These are Baroque and Neoclassical.

Baroque Features

The Baroque style is known for being very grand and dramatic. It often uses lots of decoration. You might see curved shapes and rich details. This style was popular in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Neoclassical Elements

The Neoclassical style came after Baroque. It was inspired by ancient Greek and Roman buildings. This style is usually more simple and balanced. It often features straight lines and columns. The Co-Cathedral combines these two styles beautifully. It creates a unique and impressive look.

Location in Vigo

The Co-Cathedral is located right in the heart of Vigo. Vigo is a large city in the Galicia region of Spain. The church stands as a central landmark. It is a place where people gather for religious services. It also attracts visitors who want to admire its history and beauty.

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