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) is also called San Pedro el Viejo. It's a small, very old church in the heart of Madrid, Spain. This church is a special place with a long history, showing how buildings changed over many centuries.
Contents
History of the Church
This church was first built way back in the 1300s. But over time, it got many updates. New parts like the front of the church (called the facade) and the main doors (portals) were added in the 1600s and 1800s.
Early Beginnings
Some people think it might have started as a Benedictine monastery, which is a place where monks live and pray. The church's bell tower looks a bit like a minaret, which is a tower found in mosques. This style is called Mudéjar, and it mixes Christian and Islamic art.
The bell tower was likely worked on in the 1300s. At that time, Madrid was strongly part of the Kingdom of Castile, a powerful kingdom in Spain.
Built by a King
The church was originally built by King Alfonso XI. He wanted to celebrate his big victory in the Battle of Algeciras in 1344. This battle was an important event in Spanish history.
Inside the Church
The Church of San Pedro el Viejo holds some important historical items.
Royal Tombs
Inside the church, you can find the tombs of two ancient kings: Alfonso I of Asturias and Ramiro II of León. These kings ruled parts of Spain many centuries ago.
Jesús el Pobre
The church also has a famous statue of Jesus. It is known as Jesús el Pobre, which means "Jesus the Poor." This statue was carved by an artist named Juan Astorga in the late 1700s.
Location
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
External links
- Brief description
