San Antonio de Padua, Aranjuez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of San Antonio |
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| Native name Spanish: Iglesia de San Antonio |
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| Location | Aranjuez, Community of Madrid, Spain |
| Official name: Iglesia de San Antonio | |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Monument |
| Designated | 2003 |
| Reference no. | RI-51-0010919 |
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The Church of San Antonio (in Spanish: Iglesia de San Antonio de Padua) is a beautiful church located in Aranjuez, a town in the Community of Madrid, Spain. It's a very important building! In 2003, it was named a Bien de Interés Cultural (which means a "Property of Cultural Interest"). It also became a World Heritage Site by UNESCO as part of the Aranjuez Cultural Landscape. This means it's a special place recognized around the world for its history and beauty.
Contents
History and Design of the Church
Building the First Chapel
The Church of San Antonio has a long history. It started as a chapel built by Ferdinand VI of Spain. He was a king of Spain in the 1700s. This chapel was dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua. It was meant to replace an older, private chapel. That earlier chapel was built when Philip IV of Spain was king.
A Church for Everyone
The new building was designed by an architect named Santiago Bonavía. He started working on it around 1752. The church was built on the south side of a large open area. This area was known as 'Mariblanca'. It led to the Royal Palace courtyard, called Plaza de Parejas. The new church was special because it would serve both the royal family and the local people.
Changes by King Charles III
Later, another king, Charles III of Spain, made the chapel even bigger. He added a large square cupola (a small dome on top of a larger dome or roof). He also gave it a gable roof, which is a roof with two sloping sides.
What the Church Looks Like
The church has a central part that is circular. It has a grand entrance on the north side. This entrance is a portico with five white limestone arches. These arches are decorated with pilasters, which are like flat columns.
On either side of the main church entrance, there are more arches. These connect the church to other buildings. To the east is the Casa de Infantes (House of the Princes). To the west is the Casa de los Cabeleros (House of the Knights). These buildings and the church create a square area. This area is now called Plaza de San Antonio.
The circular body of the church has two levels. Each level has stone balustrades (decorative railings). The top level forms a terrace. This highlights the main central circular domed roof. The very top of the dome has a glazed pinnacle, which is a small, pointed tower.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de San Antonio (Aranjuez) para niños
