Collegiate church of Santa María Magdalena facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Colegiata de Santa María Magdalena |
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| Location | Asturias,  Spain |
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| Architectural type | Baroque |
The Collegiate church of St Mary Magdalene (in Spanish, Colegiata de Santa María Magdalena) is a beautiful old building in Cangas del Narcea, a town in Asturias, Spain. It was built in the 1600s, making it over 300 years old! This church is a great example of Baroque architecture, a fancy style popular long ago.
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What is a Collegiate Church?
A collegiate church is a special kind of church. It's not a cathedral, which is the main church for a bishop. Instead, it's run by a group of priests called a "college" or "chapter." These priests work together to perform daily prayers and services. They also manage the church's activities and sometimes even run schools or hospitals.
Why was it built?
The Collegiate church of St Mary Magdalene was built in the 17th century. It was ordered by a very important person named Fernando de Valdés y Salas. He was a powerful archbishop and even the Grand Inquisitor of Spain. He wanted to create a grand church in his hometown of Cangas del Narcea.
The church was meant to be a place of worship and a symbol of the town's importance. It also served as a place for the local community to gather. Building such a large and detailed church took many years and a lot of effort.
Baroque Architecture Style
The Collegiate church of St Mary Magdalene is a fantastic example of the Baroque style. This style was popular in Europe from the early 17th century to the mid-18th century. Baroque buildings are known for being very dramatic and grand.
Key features of Baroque design
- Curved shapes: You'll often see lots of curves, spirals, and oval shapes.
- Rich decoration: Buildings are covered in detailed carvings, sculptures, and paintings.
- Dramatic effects: Architects used light and shadow to create a sense of movement and excitement.
- Grand scale: Baroque churches are usually very large and impressive.
- Opulent materials: They often used expensive materials like marble, gold, and bronze.
The church in Cangas del Narcea shows these features with its detailed facade and impressive interior. It was designed to inspire awe and wonder in people who visited it.
Exploring the Church
When you visit the Collegiate church of St Mary Magdalene, you can see many interesting things. The outside of the church is made of stone and has many decorative elements. Look for the detailed carvings around the doors and windows.
Inside the church
The inside of the church is just as impressive as the outside.
- Main altar: The most important part is the main altar, which is usually very tall and decorated with gold and statues. This is where the most important religious ceremonies take place.
- Side chapels: Along the sides, there are smaller chapels. Each chapel might have its own altar and special decorations.
- Artworks: You can find many paintings and sculptures throughout the church. These artworks often tell stories from the Bible or show important saints.
- Vaulted ceilings: Look up at the ceilings! They are often high and curved, sometimes with beautiful paintings or designs.
The church is still an active place of worship today. It also stands as an important historical building. It helps us understand the art and culture of Spain from hundreds of years ago.
See also
In Spanish: Colegiata de Santa María Magdalena para niños
