Iglesia de San Juan (Ciliergo) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Iglesia de San Juan (Ciliergo) |
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Iglesia de San Juan in 2021
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| 43°19′15.05″N 4°35′30.77″W / 43.3208472°N 4.5918806°W | |
| Location | Panes,  Asturias |
| Country | Spain |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Romanesque |
The Iglesia de San Juan is a historic Roman Catholic church located in the beautiful region of Asturias, Spain. This special building was first built in the late 13th century, which means it has been standing for over 700 years! It is a wonderful example of Romanesque architecture, a style of building that was popular a very long time ago.
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What is the Iglesia de San Juan?
The Iglesia de San Juan, also known as the Church of Saint John, is a place where people gather for religious services. It is a Catholic church, which means it belongs to the largest Christian church in the world. Churches like this are not just places of worship; they are also important parts of history and culture.
Where is this Church Located?
The church is found in a small area called Panes, which is part of Asturias. Asturias is a region in the northwest of Spain, known for its green mountains, rugged coastline, and charming villages. Imagine a place with lots of natural beauty, and that's where this old church stands.
Understanding Romanesque Architecture
The Iglesia de San Juan was built in the Romanesque style. This was a popular way to build churches and castles in Europe during the Middle Ages, from about the 10th to the 13th centuries.
Key Features of Romanesque Buildings
Romanesque buildings are known for being very strong and solid. They often have:
- Thick walls: These walls helped support the heavy stone roofs.
- Round arches: You'll see these over windows and doorways. They look like half-circles.
- Small windows: Because the walls were so thick, windows were often small and narrow. This also helped keep the buildings cool in summer and warm in winter.
- Simple, strong shapes: Romanesque churches often look very sturdy and powerful.
The Iglesia de San Juan shows many of these features, giving us a glimpse into how buildings were constructed hundreds of years ago.
History of the Church
The Iglesia de San Juan was established in the late 13th century. This means it was built around the years 1275 to 1300. Think about how long ago that was! At that time, knights, kings, and queens were common, and life was very different from today.
Why Churches Were Built So Long Ago
In the Middle Ages, churches were central to community life. They were not just for religious services but also served as meeting places, schools, and even safe havens during difficult times. Building a church like the Iglesia de San Juan would have been a huge project, taking many years and a lot of effort from local people.
Importance of the Iglesia de San Juan Today
Today, the Iglesia de San Juan continues to be an active church for the local community. It also stands as a historical monument, reminding us of the past. It helps us understand the art, architecture, and religious practices of medieval Spain. Visiting such a place is like stepping back in time!
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de San Juan (Ciliergo) para niños
- Asturian art
- Catholic Church in Spain
References
