Iglesia de Santiago (Benicalaf) facts for kids
The Church of Saint James is an old church in Spain. It is also known as Iglesia de Santiago in Spanish and Església de Sant Jaume in Catalan. This church is the only building left in Benicalaf, which used to be a small village. Benicalaf is part of the town of Benavites in the Camp de Morvedre area of the Valencian Community.
The church was built in the 19th century. It is considered a very important historical building. In Spain, such buildings are called a Bien de Interés Cultural (which means 'Property of Cultural Interest').
History of the Church
The Church of Saint James was built in 1856. It served as a local parish church for the people of Benicalaf. However, by the year 1900, the village of Benicalaf became empty. Because of this, the church lost its official status in 1901.
During the 20th century, the building was no longer used as a church. Instead, it was used as a place to store things. It also served as a stockyard, which is a place where animals are kept.
Design and Features
The Church of Saint James was designed in the mannerist style. This was a popular art and architecture style in Europe. It came after the High Renaissance. The church has a rectangular shape.
Inside the Church
The inside of the church has one main room, called a nave. This nave is divided into three parts. Along the sides, there are small chapels. These chapels are framed by arches that are shaped like half-circles.
The ceiling of the nave is a barrel vault. This means it is shaped like the inside of a barrel. It has openings called lunettes. These lunettes let light into the church. The vault also has arches that divide the three sections of the nave.
The ceiling is decorated with beautiful paintings called frescoes. These frescoes show important religious scenes. They include the Eucharist, the Immaculate Conception, the Holy Trinity, and the Apostles.
Outside the Church
The front of the church, called the facade, is covered with plaster. It is painted to look like blocks of stone. This gives the church a strong and classic look.
The church also has a belfry. This is the part of the tower where bells would hang. The belfry has three arches.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de Santiago de Benicalaf para niños
