San Cayetano Church, Madrid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of San Cayetano |
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| Native name Spanish: Iglesia de San Cayetano |
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| Location | Madrid, Spain |
| Official name: Iglesia de San Cayetano | |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Monument |
| Designated | 1980 |
| Reference no. | RI-51-0004425 |
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The Church of Saint Cajetan, also known as the Church of San Millán and San Cayetano, is a beautiful Baroque church located in Madrid, Spain. Baroque is a style of art and architecture that was popular from the early 17th century to the mid-18th century. It is known for its grand and dramatic designs.
Contents
History of the Church
How the Church Began
The Church of San Cayetano was built next to a convent that no longer exists. This convent was called Nuestra Señora del Favor, which means "Our Lady of the Graces." The church stands where an older prayer house once was. This prayer house was built in 1612 by a person named Diego de Vera y Ordóñez de Villaquián.
About 32 years later, a group of monks called the Theatine Order started a convent there. The church was named after the founder of their order, Saint Cajetan of Thiene.
Changes Over Time
In 1822, the monks who lived there moved to a different convent in Zaragoza. The convent building had been damaged during a time when Napoleon's army occupied Spain. After the monks left, the building was temporarily given to another group of monks, the Franciscans.
Later, in 1836, the convent building was sold and turned into private apartments. This happened during a time when many church properties in Spain were sold by the government.
Rebuilding and Recognition
In 1869, the Church of San Cayetano became part of the parish of another church, Saint Millán Abad, which had been torn down. This is why the church is now also known as "San Millán y San Cayetano."
Sadly, on July 19, 1936, a fire badly damaged the church. Only the front part, called the facade, remained. Reconstruction of the church began in 1960. In 1980, the Spanish government declared San Cayetano a Bien de Interés Cultural. This means it is a very important cultural site that needs to be protected.
Design and Architecture
Building the Church
Construction of the Church of San Cayetano started in 1669. The first architect to work on it was Marcos López. Other famous architects also helped with the design over the years. These included José de Churriguera and Pedro de Ribera. The church was finally finished in 1761 by Francisco de Moradillo.
The Church's Facade
The front of the church, known as the facade, was designed by Francisco de Moradillo. It is made of strong granite stone. The facade has three large arches. Above these arches, you can see statues created by the artist Pedro Alonso de los Ríos. These statues show San Cajetan, Our Lady of Grace, and San Andrés Avelino.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de San Cayetano (Madrid) para niños
- Catholic Church in Spain
- List of oldest church buildings
