San Pedro el Real, Madrid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of San Pedro el Viejo |
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| Native name Spanish: Iglesia de San Pedro el Viejo |
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| Location | Madrid, Spain |
| Official name: Iglesia de San Pedro el Viejo | |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Monument |
| Designated | 1979 |
| Reference no. | RI-51-0004365 |
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The Church of San Pedro el Real (which means St Peter the Royal), also known as San Pedro el Viejo, is a small, very old church in the center of Madrid, Spain. It's a special place with a long history, showing different styles of building from many centuries ago.
Contents
Exploring the San Pedro el Viejo Church
A Glimpse into History
The first part of this church was built way back in the 1300s. Over the years, many changes were made. For example, new parts were added in the 1600s and 1800s. This means the church has a mix of old and newer designs.
Some people think it might have started as a Benedictine monastery, which is a place where monks live. The church's bell tower has a unique style called Mudéjar. This style mixes Christian and Islamic art and architecture. The tower looks a bit like a minaret, which is a tower found in mosques. However, the tower we see today was likely built in the 1300s. At that time, Madrid was firmly part of the Kingdom of Castile.
The church was originally built by King Alfonso XI. He built it to celebrate his big win in the Battle of Algeciras in 1344. This battle was an important event in Spanish history.
What You Can See Inside
Inside the Church of San Pedro el Viejo, you can find the tombs of two kings: Alfonso I of Asturias and Ramiro II of León. These are very old and important historical figures.
The church also has a famous statue of Jesus. It is known as Jesús el Pobre, or "Jesus the Poor." This beautiful statue was made by an artist named Juan Astorga in the late 1700s.
Where to Find It
The Church of San Pedro el Viejo is easy to find in central Madrid. It is located at Calle Nuncio, 14. This is very close to the famous Plaza Mayor, a large, historic square in the city.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de San Pedro el Viejo (Madrid) para niños
- Catholic Church in Spain
- List of oldest church buildings
- Romanesque churches in Madrid
