San Juan el Real, Oviedo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Iglesia de San Juan el Real (Oviedo)
Location	Oviedo, Asturias,  Spain

The Iglesia de San Juan el Real is a beautiful church located in Oviedo, a city in Asturias, Spain. This church was officially opened in 1912. An important event happened here in 1923 when Francisco Franco, who later became a leader in Spain, was married in this church.

History of San Juan el Real

Building the Current Church

The construction of the current church building began in 1912. It was built on the same spot where an older church once stood. That older church had been taken down in 1882.

The new church was designed by an architect named Luis Bellido. The building work was finished in 1915. The church has a special shape called a Latin cross. It also has chapels on the sides and a large dome at the top.

A Very Old Beginning

The history of a place of worship here goes back a very long time. In the year 862, King Alfonso III the Great built an altar dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. This altar was right next to his palace.

Later, in 1006, King Alfonso VI gave this place away. A hospital was set up there to help people who were poor. Many pilgrims, who are people traveling for religious reasons, also visited this site. This shows that the area has been important for worship for over a thousand years.

Becoming a Minor Basilica

In November 2014, the current church building was about to celebrate its 100th birthday. To mark this special occasion, the Pope gave the church a higher status. It was changed from a regular church to a minor Basilica.

This means it is now known as the Basilica of San Juan el Real. This new title recognizes its long history and importance as a place of worship.

See also

In Spanish: San Juan el Real (Oviedo) para niños

• Asturian art
• Catholic Church in Spain