Coria Cathedral facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coria Cathedral |
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| Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption | |
| Catedral de Santa Maria de la Asunción | |
The north side of the cathedral.
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| 39°58′55″N 6°32′14″W / 39.9820°N 6.5371°W | |
| Location | Coria |
| Country | Spain |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| History | |
| Status | Cathedral |
| Dedication | Assumption of Mary |
| Dedicated | 20 April 1898 |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Late Gothic, Plateresque |
| Years built | 1496–1646 |
| Administration | |
| Metropolis | Mérida–Badajoz |
| Diocese | Coria-Cáceres |
The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption is a beautiful Roman Catholic church in the town of Coria, located in the Extremadura region of Spain. This historic building is an important landmark and has been recognized as a national monument since 1931.
Contents
History of the Cathedral
The story of Coria Cathedral is a journey through time, with different cultures and events shaping the building we see today.
A Site with a Long Past
The spot where the cathedral stands has been a place of worship for a very long time. Before the current cathedral was built, there was an older church built by the Visigoths, a Germanic people who ruled Spain centuries ago. After the Visigoths, the site was used for a mosque during the time of Muslim rule in Spain.
In the 14th century, a cloister, which is a covered walkway usually found in a monastery or cathedral, was built. This was the first part of the new Christian structure on the site.
Building a Masterpiece
The main construction of the cathedral began in 1496. It took a very long time to build, finally being completed in 1646. Because it was built over such a long period, it features a mix of amazing architectural styles.
- Gothic Style: The main part of the church, called the nave, has detailed patterns in the ceiling known as Gothic tracery. This style is famous for its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and large windows.
- Renaissance Style: The outside walls and doorways show the influence of the Renaissance, a period of art and learning that followed the Middle Ages. This style focused on symmetry and classical shapes. The architects Martín de Solorzano and Pedro de Ybarra were key figures in designing the cathedral during the 15th century.
A Shaky Moment in History
A major event affected the cathedral in 1755. A powerful earthquake, known as the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, struck the region. The shaking was so strong that it caused the cathedral's bell tower to collapse. This was a big setback, but the cathedral was eventually repaired, allowing it to continue standing as a symbol of Coria's history.
See also
In Spanish: Catedral de Coria para niños
