Petrus Petri facts for kids
Petrus Petri (also known as Pedro Pérez) was an important Spanish architect who lived in the 1200s (from about 1220 to 1291). For a long time, people believed he was the very first main architect of the famous Cathedral of Toledo. This idea came from an old message carved into his tombstone inside the church.
Petrus Petri, who passed away in 1291, was the master of the church of Saint Mary of Toledo. His good actions and character made him famous. He built this temple and rests here. Because of the amazing building he created, he will not feel God's anger.
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Who Really Built the Toledo Cathedral?
For many years, everyone thought Petrus Petri was the first architect of the Toledo Cathedral. His tombstone even said so!
A New Discovery
But in the middle of the 1900s, a bishop from Ciudad Real looked closely into this claim. He found old documents that changed everything. These papers showed that there was an architect named Master Martín who worked on the cathedral before Petrus Petri. Master Martín was from France.
One document from 1227 mentions "Master Martín of the work of Saint Mary of Toledo." Another paper from 1234 also names "Master Martín of the work." It even says he rented a house connected to the cathedral. Later writings mention Martín (a stonemason) and Juan Martín (a master stonemason), who might have been related to him.
Since no other documents have been found, Master Martín is now known as the first architect of the Toledo Cathedral. Also, the cathedral started being built around 1226. Petrus Petri would have been too young to be the main architect at that time.
Petrus Petri's Role
New studies suggest that Master Martín designed the first parts of the cathedral, like the chapels around the main altar. When Master Martín left or passed away, Petrus Petri took over. He finished those early sections and added the upper walkways (called triforia) in a style popular in Toledo. By the end of the 1200s, the main altar area and two sections of the church's south side were completed.
Other Works by Petrus Petri
Petrus Petri also worked on the Old Cathedral of Salamanca. Records in Salamanca show he worked there with other skilled builders. Some of these co-workers included Florín de Pituenga, Casandro Romano, Alvar García, Pedro de la Obra, Juan el Pedrero, Sancho Pedro, and Juan Franco.
See also
In Spanish: Petrus Petri para niños
