Iglesia de Cristo Obrero y Nuestra Señora de Lourdes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Iglesia de Cristo Obrero y Nuestra Señora de Lourdes |
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Façade of the Iglesia de Estación Atlántida, 2011
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Rite | Roman Rite |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Parish church |
| Year consecrated | 1960 |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Estación Atlántida, Uruguay |
 Location in Uruguay
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| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Eladio Dieste |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Architectural style | Modernist |
| Materials | Brick |
| Official name: The work of engineer Eladio Dieste: Church of Atlántida | |
| Criteria | Cultural: (iv) |
| Designated | 2021 (44th session) |
| Reference no. | 1612 |
| State Party | Uruguay |
| Region | Latin America |
The Church of Christ the Worker and Our Lady of Lourdes (Spanish: Iglesia de Cristo Obrero y Nuestra Señora de Lourdes), also known simply as Iglesia de Estación Atlántida, is a special Roman Catholic parish church in Estación Atlántida, Uruguay. It's not just a church; it's also a World Heritage Site, which means it's recognized by UNESCO as being very important to the world's history and culture.
A Unique Church Design
This church is dedicated to Christ the Worker and Our Lady of Lourdes. It's famous for its amazing design, created in 1958 by a talented engineer named Eladio Dieste.
The church looks like a simple rectangle from above. But its side walls are not straight! They rise up in cool, wavy curves, like gentle waves. The roof also has a similar wavy shape. These waves are made from special reinforced brick vaults. Dieste developed this unique way of building, making the brick strong and beautiful.
To the right of the main church, there's a tall, round bell tower. It's built with open brickwork, so you can see through parts of it. On the left side, there's an underground room called a baptistery. This is where baptisms happen. You get into it through a triangular entrance, and light comes in from a round opening in the ceiling.
Why This Church is Special
The Church of Atlántida is a great example of modern architecture in Latin America. It shows how amazing buildings can be made even with simple materials. Dieste's design used ordinary brickwork in a new and clever way. He created strong structures that also looked very artistic. This church shows how smart design can make beautiful buildings without using a lot of expensive resources.
In 2021, the church was officially named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's known as "The work of engineer Eladio Dieste: Church of Atlántida." This honor means it's a place that is important for everyone in the world to protect and learn from.
See Also
In Spanish: Iglesia de Cristo Obrero y Nuestra Señora de Lourdes para niños
