Jerez de la Frontera Cathedral facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jerez de la Frontera Cathedral |
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| Cathedral of the Holy Saviour | |
| Spanish: Catedral del Salvador | |
The north side of the cathedral.
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| 36°40′55″N 6°08′28″W / 36.681968°N 6.140979°W | |
| Location | Jerez de la Frontera |
| Country | Spain |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| History | |
| Dedication | Jesus as Saviour |
| Dedicated | 3 March 1980 |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassical |
| Years built | 17th–18th century |
| Administration | |
| Metropolis | Seville |
| Diocese | Asidonia-Jerez |
The Cathedral of the Holy Saviour is a beautiful Catholic cathedral in the city of Jerez de la Frontera, in the Andalusia region of southern Spain. It is the main church for the Diocese of Asidonia-Jerez. Because of its historical and artistic importance, it was named a Bien de Interés Cultural (a special landmark) in 1931.
The cathedral wasn't always a cathedral. It was built in the 17th century and only officially became a cathedral in 1980.
Contents
A Mix of Amazing Styles
One of the coolest things about this cathedral is its mix of architectural styles. As you look at it, you can see features from three different time periods:
- Gothic: This style is known for its pointed arches and tall, grand structures that reach toward the sky.
- Baroque: This style is very decorative and dramatic, with lots of curves, gold, and detailed carvings.
- Neoclassical: This style was inspired by ancient Greek and Roman buildings. It features grand columns and a sense of order and balance.
This blend of styles makes the cathedral a unique building to explore.
What's Inside the Cathedral?
The inside of the cathedral is just as impressive as the outside. The main layout is a central plan, which means it's designed around a central point. It has a long main walkway called a nave and four side walkways, or aisles, that have different ceiling heights.
To hold up the massive stone structure, the builders used supports on the outside called buttresses. Some are normal buttresses attached to the wall, and others are flying buttresses, which are arches that "fly" from the wall to a separate support pier. Above the center of the church, where the main sections cross, there is a large, beautiful dome.
Art and Treasures
The cathedral is also a museum filled with priceless art. Two of its most famous pieces are:
- A painting of the Virgin Mary by the famous Spanish artist Francisco Zurbarán.
- A Gothic-style crucifix called Cristo de la Viga (Christ of the Beam). This sculpture is very old, dating back to the late 15th century.
Gallery of a Grand Cathedral
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A close-up look at the cathedral's dome.
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A view of the cathedral from the nearby Alcázar of Jerez de la Frontera.
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The main entrance, or facade, of the cathedral.
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Looking up at the dome from inside the cathedral.
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The entrance to the Cathedral Museum.
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Details of the decorative work at the top of the building.
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The cathedral's bell tower stands separately from the main building.
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The famous Cristo de la Viga crucifix.
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A special religious item being carried in a procession.
See also
In Spanish: Catedral de Jerez de la Frontera para niños
External links
- Official site: http://www.catedraldejerez.es
