Oloron Cathedral facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oloron CathedralCathédrale Sainte-Marie d'Oloron-Sainte-Marie |
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The former Oloron Cathedral, now St. Mary's Church, Oloron
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic Church |
| Province | Bishopric of Oloron |
| Region | Pyrénées-Atlantiques |
| Rite | Roman |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Cathedral |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Oloron-Sainte-Marie,  France |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | church |
| Architectural style | Romanesque, Gothic |
| Groundbreaking | 12th century |
The Oloron Cathedral, also known as St. Mary's Church, is an important Roman Catholic church in Oloron-Sainte-Marie, a town in France. It used to be a cathedral, which means it was the main church for a bishop. This beautiful building shows off two main styles of architecture: Romanesque and Gothic.
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History of Oloron Cathedral
The construction of this church began way back in the 12th century. It was started by Gaston IV, who was a powerful leader known as the Viscount of Béarn. For many centuries, it served as the seat of the Bishopric of Oloron, a special area managed by a bishop.
Why it's no longer a Cathedral
In 1801, a big agreement called the Concordat of 1801 changed how churches were organized in France. Because of this agreement, the Bishopric of Oloron was closed down. This meant that Oloron Cathedral was no longer the main church for a bishop. It then became known as St. Mary's Church, but it is still a very important historical and religious site.
Architectural Styles
Oloron Cathedral is a mix of two famous building styles: Romanesque and Gothic.
Romanesque Features
The Romanesque style was popular in Europe from about 1000 to 1200 AD. It is known for its thick walls, round arches, and strong, solid look. You can see many Romanesque elements in the older parts of the church, especially in its impressive main entrance, called the portal. This portal often features detailed carvings.
Gothic Features
Later, the Gothic style became popular, starting around the 12th century. Gothic buildings are famous for their tall, pointed arches, large stained-glass windows, and flying buttresses (supports on the outside). These features allowed for taller and brighter churches. You can see Gothic additions and changes in other parts of Oloron Cathedral, showing how building styles evolved over time.
Special Recognition
Oloron Cathedral is not just a local church; it has received important national and international recognition.
French Historic Monument
Since March 1939, the French Ministry of Culture has listed the church as a monument historique. This means it is a protected historical building in France. This protection helps make sure the church is preserved for future generations to enjoy and learn from.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 1998, the church received an even bigger honor. It was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. UNESCO is a part of the United Nations that works to protect important cultural and natural places around the world. Being a World Heritage Site means Oloron Cathedral is considered to have outstanding value for all of humanity.
See also
In Spanish: Catedral de Santa María de Olorón para niños
