Overview:

Catedral Basílica Menor de San Lorenzo, Santa Cruz is a Catholic cathedral in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. Built in the colonial period, the cathedral is the main tourist attraction of the city. It was declared a National Monument in 1982 and an Asset of Cultural Interest in 2009. The structure is made up of two main components: the chapel and the basilica. The chapel is the original construction from the colonial period, and the basilica was added in the 19th century to expand the capacity of the building. The cathedral houses various pieces from the colonial period, including sculptures, paintings and antique furniture. Masses are still regularly held in the cathedral, and it is open to the public for tours. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bolivia
Prominent Features:

• Built in the early 18th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Catedral Basílica Menor de San Lorenzo is one of the largest and most important churches in Bolivia. • Its monumental baroque facade consists of three tiers decorated with gilded sculptures, including a loin and flanked by two bell towers. • Inside, visitors will find an intricately decorated interior ornamented with an altarpiece from the Peruvian artist Teodoro Vidal. • The church also houses several other works of art, including the painting of Santa Cruz's founder, Diego de la Asunción, by Miguel de la Tierra. • Regular masses are held here throughout the week and visitors can also attend concerts and other events in the church. This national monument of Bolivia portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Catedral Basílica Menor de San Lorenzo (Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo) in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, is one of the most important and impressive religious sites in the entire country. The basilica was created by a decision from the archbishop of Santa Cruz, Monsignor Francisco M. Barbosa, in 1946. The construction of the building was paid for by private donations, and it was completed in 1951. The design of the Catedral Basílica Menor de San Lorenzo is a combination of neo-gothic architecture and classical style. Inside the basilica, there is a rich array of art and decoration, including large paintings, sculptures, frescos, and stained glass. The main altar and the surrounding walls are covered in golden mosaic. The basilica is also home to a large collection of relics of saints from all over the world, as well as a library containing hundreds of religious books. In 1984, it was declared a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II during his visit to Bolivia. Throughout its many years of service, the Catedral Basílica Menor de San Lorenzo has been the site of significant religious and historical events in the City of Santa Cruz. It has served as the site for some of the most memorable papal visits to Bolivia, as well as several important national services celebrating various days and festivals. Today, the Catedral Basílica Menor de San Lorenzo continues to be an important part of the spiritual and cultural life of Santa Cruz. The basilica attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to admire the impressive architecture and artwork or celebrate in its many services. The basilica is also a popular destination for pilgrims from all over the world who come to pay homage and pray in one of the most revered sites in all of Bolivia. You must visit one of these historical places in Bolivia on your Bolivia tour

Interesting facts:

1.The Cathedral Basilica Minor of San Lorenzo is located in the Bolivian city of Santa Cruz and is the main Catholic temple of the city, as well as the seat of the diocese of the same name. 2.The construction of the Cathedral Basilica of San Lorenzo began in 1748 and lasted for 40 years, ending in 1787. 3.It stands in a Neoclassical style. Its facade is of sandstone with two columns of simple design of the Doric Order and a triangular pediment. 4.The city of Santa Cruz is located in the tropical eastern lowlands of Bolivia. The Cathedral Basilica Predominantly uses the local crops, lumber, and materials from the surrounding area, such as the important wood of the dry forest, as well as limestone, brick, and river stones. 5.The interior of the Cathedral Basilica boasts beautiful artwork by famous Baroque artists of the time, such as paintings by Lorenzo Rosano and sculptures by Pedro Noguera. 6. It is the mausoleum of several of Santa Cruz's most important citizens that have been buried in the walls of the church. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bolivia with your friends and family.