Santa María Magdalena, Zaragoza facts for kids
The Santa María Magdalena church is a beautiful old building in Zaragoza, Spain. It was built a long time ago, in the 14th century, in a special style called Mudéjar. This style mixes Christian and Islamic art, making the church look unique.
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A Look Back: The Church's Story
The Santa María Magdalena church was first mentioned in records way back in 1126. Back then, it was a different building, built in the Romanesque style. This older church was replaced about 200 years later by the building you see today.
Even though the inside of the church was updated in the 17th and 18th centuries, it still has its original square tower. This tower is made of brick and looks a lot like other Mudéjar towers found in Teruel. During these updates, the main entrance was also moved.
What the Church Looks Like
The church is built in a shape called a Latin cross. Imagine a cross lying on the ground – that's the basic shape! It has one main hall, called a nave, with special arched ceilings known as cross-vaults. At the end of the nave is a rounded section called a polygonal apse.
On the outside, the lower part of the apse has interesting arches that mix different styles. Some people think these might have been inspired by the Aljafería Palace, another famous building in Zaragoza. Above these arches, there are twenty decorative pointed arches and crosses that form square patterns.
The Bell Tower and Art
The bell tower of the church has four main sections. It's decorated with pretty white and green tiles, which make it stand out.
Inside, you'll find the main altar, which was made in the 18th century. It was created by an artist named José Ramirez de Arellano. He also made sculptures for another important church, the Holy Chapel of the Pillar. Another beautiful piece of art from the Baroque period is a golden statue of the Immaculate.
More to Explore
In Spanish: Iglesia de Santa María Magdalena (Zaragoza) para niños
- List of Bienes de Interés Cultural in the Province of Zaragoza
- Mudéjar Architecture of Aragon — World Heritage Sites
