San Pablo (Zaragoza) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids San Pablo Church |
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Iglesia de San Pablo
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic Church |
| Status | Church |
| Location | |
| Location | Zaragoza, Spain |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural style | Gothic, Mudéjar |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
| Official name | Tower and Parish church of San Pablo |
| Part of | Mudéjar Architecture of Aragon |
| Criteria | Cultural: (iv) |
| Inscription | 1986 (10th Session) |
| Extensions | 2001, 2016 |
| Type: | Non-movable |
| Criteria: | Monument |
| Designated: | 3 June 1931 |
| Reference #: | RI-51-0001030 |
The San Pablo Church is a very old and beautiful church in Zaragoza, Spain. It was first built a long time ago, in the late 1200s or early 1300s. The church shows a mix of two cool building styles: Gothic and Mudéjar. Over the years, it has been made bigger and changed many times.
Contents
History of San Pablo Church
The first church building from the 1300s had one main area, called a nave. This nave had four sections with arched ceilings and special supports called flying buttresses. It also had small chapels along the sides. At the end, there was a cross-shaped part called a transept and a five-sided area called an apse.
Adding the Mudéjar Tower
In 1343, a Mudéjar-style tower was added to the church. It was first built near the entrance. Now, this tower is inside the main part of the church building.
Later Changes and Additions
In the 1400s, two more aisles were built. These are like side sections next to the main nave. Later, until the 1700s, more chapels were added. These new chapels were built on the right side, at the front, and at the back of the church.
Exploring San Pablo Church
The church has a Gothic entrance from the 1400s. This entrance is decorated with many sculptures. You can see statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul on the sides of the doorway. Above the door, on the tympanum, there is a sculpture of Christ sitting between the Virgin Mary, Saint John, and Saint Blaise.
The Unique Octagonal Tower
The church's tower has eight sides, which means it has an octagonal shape. Like the rest of the church, it is made of brick. Some parts of the brickwork are decorated with patterns. The lowest part of the tower cannot be seen from outside because it is now inside the church building. This hidden section has an old Arab-style design.
The upper parts of the tower show off more Mudéjar decorations. They have windows divided into two parts and small arched openings. At the very top, there is a pointed, pyramid-shaped roof called a spire.
The Main Altar's Artwork
Inside the church, the main altar has a large, beautiful artwork called a reredos (or retablo). This artwork is made of wood that has been covered in gold and painted with many colors. A famous artist named Damián Forment created this amazing piece between 1515 and 1518.
Protecting San Pablo Church
San Pablo Church is very important, so it has been given special protection.
- In 1931, the church was named a national monument in Spain. This means it is a protected historical building.
- In 2001, the church was added to the World Heritage Site list. It is part of the "Mudéjar Architecture of Aragon" site. This means it is recognized as a special place for everyone in the world to protect and enjoy.
Images for kids
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The main entrance and tower of San Pablo Church.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de San Pablo (Zaragoza) para niños
