Dominican Convent, Zaragoza facts for kids
The Dominican Convent in the city of Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain (called Convento de Santo Domingo in Spanish) was once a special home for Dominican friars. It's a very old building with a lot of history.
People believe that the remains of Eudoxia Laskarina Asanina, also known as Irene Lascaris, are buried here. She was a princess from a faraway land!
What is a Convent?
A convent is a building where members of a religious order live together. The Dominican Order is a group of Catholic friars and nuns. They were founded by Saint Dominic in the 13th century. Dominicans are known for their focus on preaching, studying, and teaching. They often built convents in cities to be close to people and share their knowledge.
History of the Convent
The Dominican Convent in Zaragoza has a long and interesting past. It was built over many years, with different parts added at various times. The original convent was founded in the 13th century, around the year 1219. Over the centuries, it grew and became an important religious center in Zaragoza.
The building you see today has parts from different periods. It shows a mix of architectural styles, including some beautiful Baroque architecture. This style is known for its fancy decorations and grand designs.
Who was Eudoxia Laskarina?
Eudoxia Laskarina Asanina was a princess from the Byzantine Empire. This was a powerful empire in Eastern Europe that lasted for over a thousand years. Eudoxia was the daughter of Emperor Theodore II Laskaris. She was born around the year 1250.
Eudoxia traveled far from her homeland. She married a Spanish nobleman named Roger de Lauria. Her burial at the Dominican Convent in Zaragoza makes this place even more special. It connects a local Spanish building to a wider European history.
See also
- Ventimiglia family
- In Spanish: Convento de Santo Domingo (Zaragoza) para niños