Santa María la Real, Olite facts for kids
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The Church of Santa María la Real is a beautiful old church in Olite, a town in the Navarre region of Spain. It was built in the Gothic style, which means it has tall arches and detailed decorations. This church is a Roman Catholic church and you can find it at Plaza Teobaldos 1.
Contents
A Look Back: History of the Church
When Was It Built?
This church was built a very long time ago, between the 1200s and 1300s. That's the 13th and 14th centuries! It took many years to complete.
Next to the Royal Palace
The Church of Santa María la Real is right next to the Palacio Real de Olite, also known as the Royal Palace of Olite. This palace was a favorite place for King Charles III of Navarre to live. He ruled from 1361 to 1425.
Inside the Church
When you go inside, you'll see a special screen behind the altar called a retablo. This retablo shows pictures of the Virgin Mary. There is also a statue of the Christ of la Buena Muerte. This statue is from the 1300s and might have come from an older church called San Lázaro.
= The Amazing Outside
The front of the church, called the facade, is covered with many detailed sculptures. Above the main entrance, there's a big, round window called a rose window. The entrance itself, called the portal, has eight beautiful arches.
Stories in Stone
Above the portal, in a carved space called the tympanum, you can see many sculptures. These carvings tell stories from the early life of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de Santa María la Real (Olite) para niños
