Santander Cathedral facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Santander Cathedral(Santander Cathedral Basilica) |
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| 43°27′38″N 3°48′27″W / 43.46056°N 3.80750°W | |
| Location | Santander (Cantabria), Spain |
| Country | Spain |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | Website of the Diocese of Santander |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | Santander Abbey; Colegiata de los Cuerpos Santos |
| Dedication | Virgin Mary |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Gothic |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Santander |
The Santander Cathedral is a very old and important Roman Catholic building in the city of Santander, Spain. It is also known as the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. This amazing building is mostly built in the Gothic style, which was popular a long time ago.
Contents
What is a Cathedral?
A cathedral is a special church. It is the main church for a diocese, which is an area managed by a bishop. Think of it as the most important church in a specific region. Cathedrals are often very large and beautiful. They are built to inspire people and show the importance of faith.
History of Santander Cathedral
The Santander Cathedral has a long and interesting history. It was built in different stages over many years.
Early Beginnings
The first parts of the cathedral were built in the late 12th century. This was around the year 1187. It started as a monastery dedicated to Saint Emeterius and Saint Celedonius. These two saints are very important to the city of Santander. Their remains are believed to be kept in the cathedral.
Building the Main Church
The main part of the cathedral, called the Upper Church, was built later. Construction started in the 13th century. This is when the beautiful Gothic style was used. The builders worked on it for many years. They added tall arches, large windows, and detailed decorations. The cathedral was finished in the 14th century.
Changes Over Time
Over the centuries, the cathedral has seen many changes. It has been damaged by fires and wars. Each time, people worked hard to repair and restore it. This shows how important the building is to the people of Santander. One big event was a fire in 1941. This fire caused a lot of damage. The cathedral was rebuilt and reopened in 1953.
Architectural Style
The Santander Cathedral is a great example of Gothic style. This style was popular in Europe during the Middle Ages.
Key Gothic Features
- Tall Ceilings: Gothic cathedrals have very high ceilings. This makes them feel grand and spacious.
- Pointed Arches: Instead of round arches, Gothic buildings use pointed arches. These arches help support the weight of the walls and roof.
- Ribbed Vaults: The ceilings have special patterns called ribbed vaults. These are like stone ribs that spread out from columns.
- Stained Glass Windows: Gothic cathedrals often have large, colorful stained glass windows. These windows tell stories from the Bible and let in beautiful light.
- Flying Buttresses: These are stone supports on the outside of the building. They help hold up the tall walls and stop them from falling outwards.
Parts of the Cathedral
The Santander Cathedral has several interesting parts.
The Lower Church
Below the main cathedral is the Lower Church. This part is much older. It was built in the Romanesque style, which came before Gothic. The Lower Church is dedicated to the two saints, Emeterius and Celedonius. It feels very different from the Upper Church. It is darker and has a more ancient feel.
The Cloister
Next to the main church is the cloister. This is a quiet, covered walkway around a courtyard. Monks and priests used cloisters for walking and thinking. The cloister at Santander Cathedral was built in the 14th century. It has lovely arches and a peaceful atmosphere.
The Bell Tower
The cathedral also has a tall bell tower. Bells are an important part of cathedrals. They ring to mark the time, call people to worship, and celebrate special events.
Importance Today
Today, the Santander Cathedral is still a very active church. It is a place for worship and prayer. It is also a popular place for tourists to visit. People come to admire its history, architecture, and beautiful art. It stands as a symbol of Santander's long history and culture.
Images for kids
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Outside statues in the Cathedral of Santander
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Main nave.
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Access to the Lower Church of the Cathedral of Santander.
See also
In Spanish: Catedral de Santander para niños
