Prominent Features:

- Neo-Romanesque architecture - Gothic elements - 160 foot high bell tower - 10 massive bronze doors representing the 10 commandments - High pointed arches - 15 bells hanging from the front of the bell tower - Ornamented interior with white walls and marble floors - Frescoes throughout the interior - Intertwined statutes of St. Peter and St. Paul in the front courtyard - Dedication to Jesus appearing in the altar - Numerous stained glass windows depicting scenes from the Bible - Two large marble tablets hanging on either side of the altar with inscriptions in Hebrew. This national monument of Chile portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Catedral de San Marcos in Arica, Chile, is an iconic symbol of faith in the country and proof of the rich and meaningful history of Catholic practice in the region. The church was founded in 1851 over the ruins of an earlier church. The building was destroyed by a tsunami in 1868 and was restored over the next period of time, with the bell tower being finished in 1875. In 1912, it was declared a national monument by the government. In 1925, the church was damaged by an earthquake and had to undergo important renovations. Between 1945 and 1947, the roof was updated and in 1960 the frontage of the temple was repaired and a granite altar stone was installed. Finally, between 1997 and 1998 a new restoration project was approved and the church was refurbished. Today, Catedral de San Marcos is a strong symbol of Arica's faith in God, its glorious history, and its resilience in the face of natural disasters. It plays an important role in the religious social life of Arica and serves as an education and cultural center for the city's children and young people. You must visit one of these historical places in Chile on your Chile tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Cathedral of San Marcos in Arica, Chile is one of the oldest cathedrals in South America. 2. It was built in 1868 and is a prime example of French Neo-gothic architecture. 3. The exterior of the cathedral is adorned with carvings of religious figures and was built using volcanic rocks from the nearby Llullaillaco Volcano. 4. Inside, the cathedral contains several stained-glass windows and an impressive high altar, which was made with adobe bricks, tiles and wooden carvings to depict the life of Christ. 5. The grand organ, known as the “Organ of the Miracle”, was donated by Pope Pius IX in 1869 and is still played regularly today. 6. In 1984, Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral and a memorial plaque was erected in his honor. Visit one of the famous monuments of Chile with your friends and family.