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 |
Oloron Cathedral, also known as St. Mary's Church, is a beautiful old Roman Catholic church in Oloron-Sainte-Marie, France. It used to be a very important church called a cathedral. This means it was the main church for a bishop, a high-ranking religious leader.
The church shows two main building styles: Romanesque and Gothic. These styles are from different periods in history.
Contents
History of Oloron Cathedral
How the Church Was Started
Building the church began in the 12th century, which was the 1100s. A powerful leader named Gaston IV of Béarn, who was a Viscount (a type of noble ruler), started its construction.
Its Role as a Cathedral
For many years, Oloron Cathedral was the center of the Bishopric of Oloron. This was an area where a bishop had religious authority. However, this important role ended in 1801 because of an agreement called the Concordat of 1801. After that, it became a regular church, but it still holds a lot of history.
Special Recognition for the Church
A Protected French Landmark
Oloron Cathedral is considered a very important historical building in France. Since March 1939, the French Ministry of Culture has listed it as a monument historique. This means it is protected by the government because of its historical and artistic value.
A World Heritage Site
In 1998, something even more special happened. UNESCO, a part of the United Nations, named Oloron Cathedral a World Heritage Site. This means it's recognized as a place that is important to all of humanity. It's a place worth preserving for future generations around the world.
Exploring Oloron Cathedral
Architectural Styles
The church's design mixes two famous styles. The Romanesque parts are older, with thick walls, round arches, and strong, simple shapes. The Gothic parts are newer, featuring pointed arches, tall windows, and detailed carvings. This blend of styles tells a story of how architecture changed over centuries.
The Famous Portal
One of the most amazing parts of the church is its main entrance, called the portal. It's a fantastic example of Romanesque art. You can see many detailed sculptures and carvings that tell stories from the Bible and show figures from history. It's like a giant stone picture book!
External Links
- Take a 3D Virtual Visit
- Find its Location
- Learn more about Notre Dame Oloron in Circulo Romanico
See also
In Spanish: Catedral de Santa María (Oloron-Sainte-Marie) para niños
