St Nicholas' Church, Pamplona facts for kids

The Church of San Nicolás in Pamplona, Spain.

San Nicolás Church is a very old and important church located in Pamplona, Spain. It has a long history, serving both as a place of worship and a strong fortress.

A Church with a Fortress Past

This church was first built way back in the 12th century. It wasn't just a place for religious services. It also acted like a strong castle for its neighborhood. This was important because there were often disagreements and even fights with nearby areas like St. Saturnino and Navarrería.

Why Was It a Fortress?

You can still see its military past today. The church has a special watch tower. This tower helped people keep an eye out for trouble. It was a key part of defending the area during those old conflicts.

Rebuilding After a Fire

Sadly, the first church, which was built in the Romanesque style, was destroyed by a big fire in 1222. But people quickly started rebuilding! A new church was finished and officially opened in 1231.

Inside and Out: Gothic Style

The inside of San Nicolás Church looks very different from its original Romanesque style. It is mostly in the Gothic style. This means it has tall arches and beautiful stained-glass windows. The Gothic style was built in different stages over time.

The Famous Organ

Inside the church, you'll find a magnificent Baroque organ. This type of organ is known for its grand sound and detailed decoration. It's a real highlight for anyone visiting the church.

What You See Today

From the outside, only two main entrances (called portals) from the Gothic period are still visible. You can also see the apse, which is the rounded part at the end of the church. The corner entrance area, known as a portico, was designed by Angel Goicoechea. It was built by a local builder named Blas Morte in the 1880s.

See also

In Spanish: Iglesia de San Nicolás (Pamplona) para niños