La Magdalena, Jaén facts for kids
The Church of La Magdalena is an important and historic Catholic church in the city of Jaén, Spain. It is known for its beautiful Gothic style, which means it has tall arches, pointed windows, and detailed stone carvings. This church is a significant landmark in the province of Jaén, located in the sunny region of Andalucia.
Contents
A Church with Ancient Roots
From Mosque to Church
The Church of La Magdalena has a very long history. It was built on the exact spot where a much older building once stood. This older building was a mosque, which is a place of worship for Muslims. The mosque was built way back in the year 825 by a ruler named Abd ar-Rahman II.
The Bell Tower's Secret
The church's tall bell tower, which you see today, used to be the minaret of the old mosque. A minaret is a tower from which Muslims are called to prayer. It is believed that a famous architect named Andrés de Vandelvira helped redesign this tower.
A Special Pool
Inside the church, there is a quiet courtyard called a cloister. In this cloister, you will find a pool. This pool was once used by Muslim worshippers. They would use the water to wash themselves before entering the mosque to pray.
Exploring the Church's Features
Inside the Church
The Church of La Magdalena has a large main area called a nave. It also has three smaller sections on the sides, known as aisles. These parts are separated by strong arches that support the roof. The ceiling above these arches has a special design called ribbed vaults, which look like stone ribs supporting the roof.
Beautiful Decorations
The main entrance of the church is called a portal. It has very detailed decorations in a style known as Isabelline Gothic. This style is famous for its fancy carvings and designs.
Amazing Artworks
Inside the church, you can see several important pieces of art:
- A colorful group of sculptures shows the Calvary. This artwork is thought to have been made by artists like Jacobo Florentino or Jerónimo Quijano.
- There is a sculpture called Christ of the Mercy, which was created in 1593 by Salvador de Cuéllar.
- You can also see a sculpture of a Kneeling Magdalen, made in 1572 by Mateo Medina.
- The church also has many paintings from the 1600s and 1700s.
- The beautiful wooden doors at the main entrance were carved in 1555.
The Legend of the Lizard of Jaén
Outside the church, in the main square, there is a pool with a statue. This statue shows the Lizard of Jaén (or Lagarto de Jaén in Spanish). This lizard is a famous monster from local legends and stories in the area. It's a fun part of the city's history and folklore!
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de Santa María Magdalena (Jaén) para niños
- Catholic Church in Spain
