Santa Catalina, Valencia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Catherine's Church |
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Iglesia de Santa Catalina
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| Location | Valencia |
| Country | Spain |
| Denomination | Catholic Church |
| History | |
| Status | Church |
| Founded | 13th century |
| Dedication | Catherine of Alexandria |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Church architecture |
| Style | Valencian Gothic |
| Administration | |
| Archdiocese | Valencia |
St. Catherine's Church is a beautiful old church in the city of Valencia, Spain. Its official name in Spanish is Iglesia de Santa Catalina. The church is a famous example of Gothic style, known for its tall arches and detailed designs. You can find it at the end of a big square called Plaza de la Reina.
Contents
The Church's Long History
St. Catherine's Church has a history that goes back hundreds of years. It was first built in the 13th century on the same spot where a mosque once stood. A mosque is a place of worship for people who follow the religion of Islam.
Over the centuries, the church has gone through many changes. It has survived fires, wars, and makeovers, making it a building with many stories to tell.
Rebuilding and New Styles
A big fire in 1548 damaged most of the church's inside. When it was rebuilt, it was given a new look in the Baroque style. This style is very fancy, with lots of decorations and dramatic designs. The church also has a grand entrance, or portal, that was built in the 16th century in a classicist style, which was inspired by ancient Greek and Roman art.
In the 1950s, workers restored the church. They removed some newer additions that were covering up the original Gothic walls on the outside. This allowed the beautiful 13th-century design to be seen again.
The Famous Bell Tower
One of the most impressive parts of the church is its bell tower. The tower has a unique six-sided base and rises up five levels. It was rebuilt between 1688 and 1705 in the Baroque style by an architect named Juan Bautista Viñes.
The bells for the tower were made in London in 1729. Much later, in 1914, a clock was added to the tower. During a repair project in 2012, workers found that the clock's machinery was not very old or special. They decided to remove it and put an old bell back in its place. This bell had been taken out in 1902.
Gallery of St. Catherine's Church
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The beautiful Baroque bell tower.
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The front of the church, known as the façade.
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A look at the church's decorated interior.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de Santa Catalina (Valencia) para niños
