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Sant Pere, Xàtiva facts for kids

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Església de sant Pere de Xàtiva
The Church of Sant Pere in Xàtiva

The Church of Sant Pere (which means Saint Peter) is a beautiful Gothic and Mudéjar style church. It is a Roman Catholic church found in the city of Xàtiva, in the Valencia area of Spain.

This church was built in the middle of the 1400s. A very famous person, Roderic de Borja, who later became Pope Alexander VI, was baptized here. The church was later updated with a Baroque style.

What is Sant Pere?

The Church of Sant Pere is a special building in Xàtiva, Spain. It is known for its unique mix of building styles. The church combines two main types of architecture: Gothic and Mudéjar.

Gothic and Mudéjar Styles

The Gothic style was popular in Europe during the Middle Ages. It often features tall arches, large windows, and detailed stone carvings. It makes buildings look grand and reaching towards the sky.

The Mudéjar style is a special Spanish art and building style. It was created by Muslim craftspeople who stayed in Spain after Christian rule returned. They used their traditional skills to build and decorate Christian buildings. This style often includes beautiful brickwork, colorful tiles, and intricate wooden ceilings. Sant Pere shows how these two different styles could come together in one building.

History of the Church

The Church of Sant Pere has a long and interesting history. It has stood in Xàtiva for many centuries.

When Was It Built?

The church was first built around the middle of the 15th century. This means it was constructed in the 1400s. At that time, Xàtiva was an important city. The church became a key part of the community's life.

A Future Pope's Baptism

One of the most famous events linked to Sant Pere is the baptism of Roderic de Borja. He was born in Xàtiva in 1431. Roderic de Borja later became a very powerful leader in the church. In 1492, he was chosen to be the Pope. He took the name Pope Alexander VI. Being baptized in this church made it a significant place in his early life.

Later Changes to the Church

Over time, buildings often get updated. The Church of Sant Pere also had some changes. Later, it was given a new look in the Baroque style. This style became popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. Baroque art and architecture are known for being very dramatic and decorative. They often use rich colors, bold shapes, and lots of ornaments. This update added new features to the church's original Gothic-Mudéjar design.

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