Santa Maria, Cóll Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Eglésia de Santa Maria de l'Assumpció
UNESCO World Heritage Site

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)

Santa Maria de Cóll

The Santa Maria de Cóll church is a beautiful old building. It is found in a small village called Cóll. This village is in the Vall de Boí area of Catalonia, Spain. The church was officially opened in the year 1110.

In 1992, it was named an important cultural site in Spain. Then, in 2000, it became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site for the Catalan Romanesque Churches of the Vall de Boí. This means it is a very special place that the whole world wants to protect.

Discovering Santa Maria de Cóll
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Discovering Santa Maria de Cóll

The church sits high up, at about 1,412 m (4,633 ft) (that's over 4,600 feet!) in the village of Cóll. Experts believe it was built in the 12th century. This was a time when many churches were made in the Romanesque style.

Inside the Church

The main part of the church is called the nave. It does not have side aisles. The roof of the nave is shaped like a half-cylinder. This is called a barrel vault. Two strong arches help to hold up this roof. These arches are supported by columns that do not have fancy tops.

At the very end of the church, there is a rounded section. This is called a semi-circular apse. It is a common feature in old churches.

Bell Tower and Chapels

On the south side of the church, there is a square bell tower. It has a pointed roof, which is called a steeple. This tower stands tall next to the church building.

There are also two small chapels, one on the north side and one on the south. These chapels also have barrel-vaulted roofs. They make the church look a bit like a cross from above. This cross shape is known as a transept.

Special Features and Art

You can find a Gothic choir at the back of the church. This is a special area for singers. You can reach it by a staircase near the main entrance.

Outside, the church has a cool decoration. There are many blind arches just below the roof. These are arches that are part of the wall and do not open. They go all around the building. A round window, called an oculus, lets light into the western wall.

The main entrance is at the east end. It has an arch above it. This arch is held up by columns with decorated tops, called capitals. The capitals on the outside have plant designs. The ones inside show men fighting animals. This art often symbolizes the battle between good and evil.

Inside the church, you can also see a statue of Our Lady of the Rosary.