San Pedro de la Nave facts for kids
San Pedro de la Nave ("Saint Peter of the Ship") is a very old church in Spain. It is located in a small town called El Campillo. This church is famous because it was moved from its original spot! It used to be near the River Esla, but a big dam was built, which created a lake. To save the church from being covered by water, it was carefully taken apart and rebuilt in a new, safe place.
This church is one of the oldest in Spain. It is also very important for its special architecture. Experts are even thinking about making it a World Heritage Site. This means it would be recognized as a place that is important to everyone in the world.
A Church with a Long Story
Many people believe that San Pedro de la Nave was built a very long time ago. It was likely built around the year 680. This was just before the Muslim conquest of Spain in 711. This makes it one of the last buildings made by the Visigoths, an ancient people who lived in Spain.
The church first looked like a cross from above. Later, two side sections were added. This made it a mix of a cross shape and a long hall. It also has five small rooms, two on each side of the main altar area. These rooms might have been used by people who lived like hermits. The main part of the church is taller and wider than the side parts. Arches supported by strong pillars separate these sections.
Cool Features Inside
The roof of the church looks like a long tunnel. This type of roof is called a barrel vault. The main part of the roof is made of stone. Some parts of the church, especially the western sections, have brick roofs.
The church also has special arches that look like a horseshoe. These arches are wider than a half-circle. You can see these unique arches connecting different parts of the church.
The decorations inside the church are very special. There are two main types of carvings. One type is a long band of carvings that goes around the church. It shows circles with plants and animals inside. The other type of carving is on the tops of the columns, called capitals. These carvings are very detailed and show stories from the Bible. For example, you can see scenes like Daniel in the Lion's Den and The Sacrifice of Abraham. The tops of these columns also have designs with people and animals.
You can also find an unfinished sun-dial carved into one of the inside walls. It was never fully completed!
Moving a Whole Church!
San Pedro de la Nave was declared a very important national building on April 22, 1912.
The church was originally built right next to the Esla River. But a big dam, called the Ricobayo Dam, was planned. This dam would create a huge lake, and the church would be underwater! To save this amazing old building, a brave decision was made. Thanks to the efforts of a person named Manuel Gómez-Moreno, it was decided that the church would be moved.
Between 1930 and 1932, the church was carefully taken apart, stone by stone. Each stone was numbered! Then, it was moved to its new, higher location and put back together exactly as it was. This huge project was led by an architect named Alejandro Ferrant Vázquez. It was an incredible feat of engineering and teamwork to save such an important piece of history!
See also
- List of oldest church buildings
In Spanish: Iglesia de San Pedro de la Nave (El Campillo) para niños
