Iglesia de San Mateo (Tarifa) facts for kids
The Iglesia de San Mateo, also known as St. Matthew's Church, is a very important church in the town of Tarifa, Spain. Tarifa is located in the Province of Cadiz, a beautiful area in southern Spain. This church is not just a place of worship; it's also a fascinating piece of history and art.
Discovering San Mateo Church
A Long History
The San Mateo Church has a very long history! People believe it was first built in 1506. It was constructed on the site where an old mosque used to stand. However, the first official records of people worshipping here date back to 1534. This means the church has been a part of Tarifa for almost 500 years!
Over the centuries, the church has changed quite a bit. Many parts have been added or updated. These changes make the church a mix of different styles from various time periods.
Amazing Architecture
The church's main front, called the facade, is truly special. It was designed in a style called Baroque. This style is known for being very grand and detailed. A famous architect named Torcuato Cayon de la Vega designed this part in 1774. The building work was finished four years later, in 1778, under the guidance of a master builder named Carlos Hermida.
The church also has a strong and sturdy bell tower. It has a square base and is topped with a dome that has vertical grooves, like pleats. Inside, there's a special area called the Capilla del Sagrario. This chapel was updated in 1899. It features a magnificent dome that rests on decorative supports shaped like seashells, called scallops. These supports extend down to the ground, creating three lovely semicircular chapels.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de San Mateo (Tarifa) para niños
