San Nicolás, Requena facts for kids
The San Nicolás Church (which means Saint Nicholas Church) is a beautiful Roman Catholic church found in the Plaza de San Nicolás in Requena, a town in the province of Valencia, Spain. This church is named after San Nicolás de Bari, also known as Saint Nicholas. It's a great example of Neoclassical architecture, which is a style that uses ideas from ancient Greek and Roman buildings.
Contents
A Look at the Church's History
When Was San Nicolás Church Built?
The San Nicolás Church was first built a very long time ago, in the late 1300s. This was around the same time that two other important churches in Requena, San Salvador and Santa María, were also being built. Imagine how old that makes it!
How War Changed the Church
In 1706, the church faced a tough time during a big conflict called the War of the Spanish Succession. This war was fought over who would be the next king of Spain. During a battle, the town of Requena was under attack, and the front part, or façade, of the San Nicolás Church was damaged.
The Church's New Look
Because of the damage from the war, the entire church needed a big repair. This led to a major makeover! The church was rebuilt in the Neoclassic style, which was popular at the time. A clever designer named Padre Tosca created the plans for its new front. The round roof, called a dome, was finished in 1788. Even with its new look, you can still see parts of its older style. The sides of the church still have Gothic buttresses, which are strong supports that stick out from the walls.
A Protected Treasure
The San Nicolás Church is considered very special. In 2008, it was officially declared a "Bien de Interés Cultural." This means it's recognized as an important historical and cultural site in Spain, like a protected treasure. The church is currently being restored to keep it beautiful and strong for many more years.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari (Requena) para niños
