Iglesia de San Mateo (Tarifa) facts for kids
The Iglesia de San Mateo (which means St. Matthew's Church) is a very important church in the town of Tarifa, Spain. Tarifa is located in the Province of Cadiz, a sunny region in southern Spain. This church is the main place of worship in Tarifa and has a long, interesting history.
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History of San Mateo Church
The San Mateo Church was likely built around the year 1506. It was constructed on the site where an old mosque once stood. We know that people were worshipping at this church by 1534, as old documents mention it from that time.
Over many centuries, the church has been changed and updated several times. Each change added new styles and features to the building.
Church Design and Features
The church has a grand main entrance, known as the facade. This part of the church was designed in the Baroque style, which is known for being very decorative and dramatic. A famous architect named Torcuato Cayon de la Vega created this design in 1774. The building work for this facade was finished four years later, guided by a master builder named Carlos Hermida.
The Bell Tower
The church's bell tower is strong and square at its base. At the very top, it has a special dome that looks like it has grooves or flutes running down it. This dome adds a unique touch to the tower's design.
The Chapel of the Tabernacle
Inside the church, there is a special area called the Capilla del Sagrario, which means the Chapel of the Tabernacle. This chapel was repaired and made new again in 1899. It features a magnificent dome that rests on curved supports called scallops. These scallops extend all the way to the ground, forming three small, round chapels.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de San Mateo (Tarifa) para niños
