St Nicholas' Church, Madrid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of San Nicolás |
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| Native name Spanish: Iglesia de San Nicolás |
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| Location | Madrid, Spain |
| Official name: Iglesia de San Nicolás | |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Monument |
| Designated | 1978 |
| Reference no. | RI-51-0004262 |
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The Church of San Nicolás (also called Iglesia de San Nicolás in Spanish) is an old Catholic parish church in the center of Madrid, Spain. It is also known as the Church of San Nicolas de Bari or the Church of San Nicolas de los Servitas.
This church has a long history, going back to the Middle Ages. Over many years, it has been changed and updated quite a bit. Because it's so important, the building was named a Bien de Interés Cultural (a special protected site) in 1978. Its tall tower was already protected as a national monument way back in 1931.
It is one of the oldest churches in Madrid.
Contents
A Look at Its History
The Church of St. Nicholas in Bari is mentioned in a law from Madrid in 1202. This shows it was one of the first churches in the city. Today, it is the oldest church still standing in Madrid. This happened after the Church of Santa Maria de la Almudena was taken down.
From Mosque to Church?
Some old findings suggest that the church and its bell tower might have once been part of a mosque. It was probably built around the 12th century. The main part of the church (called the nave) and its smaller rooms (chapels) were updated in the 17th century.
Changes Over Time
By the 1800s, this church did not have many people attending or much money. In 1805, it joined with another church called El Salvador. For a while, the building was left empty. Then, in 1825, it was given to a group called the Third Order of Servites.
When the nearby El Salvador church was destroyed in 1842, the Church of San Nicolás became a main parish church again. The Servite Order still owns the church today.
What the Church Looks Like
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The Church of San Nicolás has been fixed up many times over the centuries. This means it looks different today than it did long ago. It has three main sections (naves). The back part, called the apse, is from the 15th century. It is made of cut stone.
The Amazing Tower
The most interesting part of this church is its tower. It dates back to the 12th century! The very top part, called the spire, was added later in the 18th century. It is made of slate in a style called Herrerian. The tower is square and built from brick. It has decorations like blind arches (arches that are just for show).
The bricks at the bottom are larger than those higher up. This tower might have been one of the old Arab minarets (towers used for calling people to prayer) that were in the city. The tower was changed in the 14th century, and its top was replaced again later.
Entrances to the Church
The church has two doors. Both have frames (jambs and lintels) made of granite. The main entrance is a beautiful Baroque style door. It was carved in the 18th century by Luis Salvador Carmona. You can see an image of St. Nicholas carved into it. This whole front part of the church is made of brick.
The other door is shaped like a half-circle. It is built into a wall made of flint stones. This wall also has bricks laid out in a special pattern called "rigging Toledo". The top part of this front wall has three windows and a balcony.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de San Nicolás (Madrid) para niños
- Catholic Church in Spain
- List of oldest church buildings
- Romanesque churches in Madrid
