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Getafe Cathedral
Native name
Spanish: Catedral de La Magdalena
Getafe Cathedral 2021 - West Facade Frontal.jpg
West façade
Location Getafe, Spain
Built 16th century-1770
Architect Alonso de Covarrubias,
Juan Gómez de Mora
Architectural style(s) Renaissance, Baroque
Official name: Catedral de La Magdalena
Type Non-movable
Criteria Monument
Designated 1958
Reference no. RI-51-0001260
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The Getafe Cathedral (in Spanish, Catedral de La Magdalena) is a beautiful and historic Roman Catholic church located in the city of Getafe, Spain. For most of its long history, it was a regular church. However, it became a special type of church called a cathedral in 1991. This happened when the Diocese of Getafe was created.

This amazing building was designed by famous architects Alonso de Covarrubias and Juan Gómez de Mora. Its construction began in the 1500s and was finally finished in 1770. The cathedral shows off different building styles from different time periods.

Getafe Cathedral 2021 - Interior
Mudéjar window in the lower sector of the tower.

History of Getafe Cathedral

The Getafe Cathedral has a very long and interesting past. Its story began way back in the 14th century.

From Church to Cathedral

The building we see today started as a simple church. It served the people of Getafe for many centuries. In 1991, something important happened. The church was chosen to become the main church for a new area called the Diocese of Getafe. This made it a cathedral, which is the seat of a bishop.

Who Built It?

The main construction of the cathedral took place over many years. It was started in the 16th century, which means the 1500s. The work continued for a very long time, finally finishing in 1770. The architects Alonso de Covarrubias and Juan Gómez de Mora were key figures in its design.

Architectural Styles

The Getafe Cathedral is a mix of different architectural styles. This is because it was built over such a long period. Each era added its own unique touch.

Mudéjar Style

The oldest part of the cathedral is its bell tower. This tower dates back to the mid-14th century. It is built in the Mudéjar style. This style is special because it blends Christian and Islamic art and architecture. You can often see beautiful brickwork and geometric patterns in Mudéjar buildings.

Renaissance and Baroque Styles

Most of the rest of the cathedral was built later. It mainly features Renaissance and Baroque styles.

  • Renaissance architecture was popular in the 15th and 16th centuries. It brought back ideas from ancient Greek and Roman buildings. You might see balanced shapes, columns, and domes.
  • Baroque architecture came after the Renaissance, in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is known for being very grand and dramatic. Baroque buildings often have lots of decoration, curved lines, and a sense of movement.

The Getafe Cathedral is a wonderful example of how different styles can come together to create one magnificent building.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Catedral de La Magdalena (Getafe) para niños

Sources

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Getafe Cathedral Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.