Our Lady of Meritxell facts for kids
Our Lady of Meritxell is a very important symbol for the country of Andorra. She is considered the patron saint of Andorra, which means she is a special protector and guide for the nation. This figure is a Roman Catholic statue of the Virgin Mary.
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Who is Our Lady of Meritxell?
Our Lady of Meritxell is a special statue of the Virgin Mary. For the people of Andorra, she represents faith and national identity. A patron saint is like a guardian or a special helper for a place or a group of people.
The Original Statue's Story
The very first statue of Our Lady of Meritxell was very old, dating back to the late 12th century. This means it was created more than 800 years ago! It was a beautiful and historic piece of art, deeply cherished by the people of Andorra.
The Fire of 1972
Sadly, the original statue was destroyed in a terrible fire. This fire happened on the night of September 8 and 9, 1972. The old chapel where the statue was kept also burned down. It was a very sad event for Andorra, as they lost a significant part of their history and faith.
A New Beginning: The Replica Statue
After the fire, a new statue was created to replace the lost original. This new statue is a careful copy of what the old one looked like. It was made in 1976 by a famous architect named Ricardo Bofill. The new statue helps keep the memory and importance of Our Lady of Meritxell alive for future generations in Andorra.
Images for kids
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Old Sanctuary of Meritxell
