Santa Maria, Cóll facts for kids
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
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| Location | Cóll, Vall de Boí, Alta Ribagorça, Province of Lleida, Catalonia, Spain |
| Part of | Catalan Romanesque Churches of the Vall de Boí |
| Criteria | Cultural: (ii), (iv) |
| Inscription | 2000 (24th Session) |
| Area | 0.46 ha (1.1 acres) |
Welcome to the amazing Santa Maria de Cóll church! This beautiful Romanesque church is located in a small village called Cóll. It's in the Vall de Boí area of Catalonia, Spain. Romanesque means it was built a very long time ago, with thick walls and rounded arches.
This church is super old! It was officially opened in the year 1110. It's so special that it became a protected site in 1992. Then, in 2000, it was even named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means it's recognized as important for everyone in the world to see and protect.
Contents
Exploring Santa Maria de Cóll
The Santa Maria de Cóll church sits high up in the village of Cóll. It is about 1,412 meters (4,633 feet) above sea level. Experts believe it was built in the 12th century. This makes it almost 900 years old!
What the Church Looks Like
The main part of the church is called the nave. It has a rounded ceiling, like a tunnel, which is called a barrel vault. This ceiling is made stronger by two arches. These arches are supported by columns that don't have fancy tops.
At the very end of the church, there is a half-circle shaped area. This is known as the apse. On the south side of the church, you'll see a square bell tower. It has a pointy roof, called a steeple.
Special Features Inside and Out
On the north side of the church, there's a small room called a chapel. It also has a barrel vault ceiling. There's another chapel on the south side. These two chapels make the church look like it has arms sticking out, similar to a cross shape. This part is sometimes called a transept.
At the back of the church, there's a choir area. This part was added later, in a style called Gothic. You can reach it by a staircase near the main entrance.
Outside, the church has cool decorations. Just below the roof, there are many fake arches. These are called blind arches because they don't open up. They go all the way around the building.
Light and Entry
A round window, called an oculus, is in the western wall. This window lets light into the church. The main entrance is at the east end. It has an arch above it, supported by columns.
These columns have special designs on their tops, called capitals. The capitals on the outside have plant designs. The ones inside show figures of men fighting animals. This design often symbolizes the fight between good and evil.
Inside the church, you can find a statue of Our Lady of the Rosary. This is a statue of Mary, an important figure in Christianity.
Gallery
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A distant view of Santa Maria de Cóll church
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Another view of Santa Maria de Cóll
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The entrance to Santa Maria de Cóll church
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A special Chi-Rho symbol from the 12th century inside the church
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Two detailed capitals on the entry door
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de Santa María de la Asunción (Coll) para niños
