Sant Pau del Camp facts for kids
Sant Pau del Camp is a very old church and former monastery in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Its name means "Saint Paul of the countryside" or "Saint Paul in the fields." This is because, a long time ago (before the 14th century), the monastery was built outside the city of Barcelona. Today, it is located right in the middle of the city, in the El Raval district.
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A Look Back: History of Sant Pau
It's not completely clear when Sant Pau del Camp was first built. Many people believe it was started by a count named Wilfred II of Barcelona. His tombstone was found inside the monastery in 1596. We know for sure that the monastery existed by the year 977.
Early Challenges and Rebuilding
In 985, the monastery faced a big problem. It was attacked and destroyed by Muslim soldiers led by al-Mansur Ibn Abi Aamir. But the people didn't give up!
Restoration work began in 1096. This was possible thanks to gifts from people like Geribert Guitard and Rotlendis. A new group of monks came to live there. In 1117, Sant Pau del Camp became a smaller part of another important monastery, the Abbey of Sant Cugat.
Growth and Change Over Time
By the 13th century, many new parts were added. These included a new cloister (a covered walkway), a new church, and new living areas for the monks. In 1377, there was a prior (the head monk) and eight other monks living there. However, by the 15th century, the number of monks went down to just three.
Monastic meetings for the Tarragona area started happening at Sant Pau in 1577. These meetings continued regularly from 1594 until 1835.
The End of Monastic Life
In 1835, the Spanish government decided to take over many monasteries. This process is called secularization. Because of this, the monks had to leave Sant Pau del Camp.
In 1879, the monastery was recognized as a National Monument. This means it's a very important historical building that needs to be protected.
Exploring the Architecture
Sant Pau del Camp is a great example of Romanesque architecture. This style was popular in Europe a long time ago.
The Beautiful Cloister
The monastery has a small, beautiful cloister that was built in the 13th century. It has special arches that are shaped like lobes (rounded sections). These arches are held up by double columns. The tops of these columns, called capitals, are carved with amazing designs. You can see scenes from the Bible, pictures of everyday life, animals, strange monsters, and plant patterns.
The house where the abbots (the main monks) lived was built between the 13th and 14th centuries, and parts were updated in the early 18th century.
Inside the Church
The church itself is built in a Greek cross plan. This means it has four arms of equal length, like a plus sign. It has one main aisle and a transept (the part that crosses the main aisle) with three apses (rounded ends). The inside of the church is covered by barrel vaults, which are ceilings shaped like half-cylinders.
The main entrance doorway is very impressive. It has two columns with old marble capitals that came from the Visigothic period, even before the monastery was built! Above the door, in a space called the tympanum, you can see a carving of Christ in Majesty, with Saints Paul and Peter.
The Chapter House
The chapter house, built in the 14th century, is where the monks would meet. It holds the tomb of Wilfred II, who is believed to be the founder of the monastery.
See also
In Spanish: Monasterio de San Pablo del Campo para niños
- History of medieval Arabic and Western European domes
