Torreciudad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Torreciudad |
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The Shrine of Torreciudad in Spain.
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Catholicism |
| Year consecrated | 1975 |
| Location | |
| Location | Aragon |
| Country | Spain |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Heliodoro Dols |
The Shrine of Torreciudad is a special holy place, known as a shrine, located in the Aragon region of Spain. It is dedicated to Mary, who is honored there with the title Our Lady of Torreciudad. This beautiful modern church was built by Saint Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of a Catholic group called Opus Dei. The shrine was officially opened and blessed on July 7, 1975.
People have been coming to this area to pray to Mary for a very long time, with the tradition starting way back in the 11th century. The shrine is looked after by a group called the Torreciudad Trust, which makes sure it is well-maintained for all its visitors.
Contents
A Look Inside the Shrine
The shrine was designed by an architect named Heliodoro Dols (1933–2025). He worked with other architects to create a stunning and peaceful place for prayer.
The Main Church
When you enter the main church, one of the first things you'll notice is the amazing altarpiece. An altarpiece is a work of art behind the main altar. This one is made from a soft, white stone called alabaster and was carved by the artist Juan Mayné.
The church also has a special, quiet chapel for the Blessed Sacrament. Inside, there is a powerful bronze statue of the crucified Christ, created by an artist named Pasquale Sciancalepore.
The Crypt and Chapels
Below the main church is an area called the crypt. Here you can find a chapel dedicated to the Holy Family (Jesus, Mary, and Joseph). There are also three smaller chapels for people to talk to a priest. Each one is dedicated to Mary under a different title: Our Lady of Loreto, Our Lady of the Pillar, and Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Art Around the Shrine
Outside the church, there are covered walkways with beautiful ceramic art by José Alzuet. These artworks show the joyful, sorrowful, and glorious mysteries of the rosary, which are important events in the lives of Jesus and Mary.
Not far from the main building, there is a small, old chapel called a hermitage. This was the original home of the ancient statue of Our Lady of Torreciudad before it was moved to the new, larger church.
A Place for Visitors
Many people, called pilgrims, travel from all over the world to visit Torreciudad to pray and reflect. The spiritual activities at the shrine are guided by priests from Opus Dei. The shrine is a welcoming place for everyone and is open every day of the year.
See also
In Spanish: Santuario de Torreciudad para niños
- Catholic Church in Spain
- Shrine of the Virgin of the Rosary of Pompei
- Shrines to Mary, mother of Jesus
