Santa Maria de Taüll facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Santa Maria de Taüll |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Location | |
| Location | Taüll, Catalonia, Spain |
 Location in Spain
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| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| Official name: Catalan Romanesque Churches of the Vall de Boí | |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | ii, iv |
| Designated | 2000 (24th session) |
| Reference no. | 988 |
| Region | Europe and North America |
Santa Maria de Taüll is a very old and beautiful church. It is located in a valley called Vall de Boí in Catalonia, Spain. This church is famous for its special Romanesque style. This style was popular a long time ago.
Santa Maria de Taüll is part of a group of churches. These churches are so important that UNESCO has named them a World Heritage Site. This means they are special places that should be protected for everyone to see.
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History of Santa Maria de Taüll
The church of Santa Maria de Taüll was built a very long time ago. Experts believe it was built in the 11th century. That means it is over 900 years old! It was built around the same time as other churches nearby. Some of these include Sant Climent, Taüll and Sant Joan de Boí.
In November 2000, Santa Maria de Taüll became a World Heritage Site. It joined eight other Catalan Romanesque Churches of the Vall de Boí. This recognition helps protect these amazing historical buildings.
Architecture of the Church
Santa Maria de Taüll is a great example of Romanesque architecture. This style of building was common in Europe during the Middle Ages. Romanesque churches often have thick walls and round arches. They also have strong, simple shapes.
The church has different parts that show this style. You can see the rounded ends of the church, called the chevet and apse. The inside of the church has a long main area called the nave. It also has a special screen behind the altar called a reredos.
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The back of the church, called the Chevet
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A rounded part of the church, known as the Apse
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Another view of the Left Apse
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Inside the church, showing the Nave
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The Reredos, a screen behind the altar
Amazing Wall Paintings
Inside Santa Maria de Taüll, there were once many colorful wall paintings. These paintings told stories from the Bible. They were painted directly onto the church walls. Over time, some of these paintings were removed to protect them.
Today, many of the original wall paintings are kept safe. You can see them at the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya in Barcelona. These paintings show important figures like the Three Kings, also known as the Magi. They also show the Virgin Mary and the Apostles.
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Original wall paintings, now in Barcelona
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A painting of Melchior, one of the Three Kings
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The Adoration of the Magi and Mary in the main apse
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Paintings of Gaspard and Balthazar, two of the Three Kings
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A painting showing the Apostles
The Altar Frontal
An altar frontal is a decorative panel that covers the front of an altar. The one from Santa Maria de Taüll is very special. It is also known as an Antependium. This beautiful piece of art was used to decorate the church's altar.
Like the wall paintings, this altar frontal is now kept in a museum. You can see it at the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya in Barcelona. It is an important example of Romanesque art.
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The Altar Frontal, now in Barcelona
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See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de Santa María de Tahull para niños
