Overview:

is the principal Roman Catholic Church in the city of Matanzas, Cuba. The neoclassical building, consecrated in 1853, had replaced the old church built in 1747. It is located in the Plaza de la Vigía, near the city center. It is subject to the Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cuba
Prominent Features:

1. Baroque-style architecture: Matanzas Cathedral features an ornate Baroque-style of architecture. Its façade features four columns surrounded by four side towers, plastered and whitewashed with a curved stone balcony at the top. The patterned stonework of the facade is highlighted by decorative ceramic tiles. 2. Bell Tower: The Cathedral has a large bell tower at the front with nine entrances. Its largest bell, named La Matancera, is in homage to Matanzas and its people. 3. Interior: The large central nave is complimented by side aisles, pilasters and arcade galleries. The arches are filled with beautiful stonework and ceramic tiles, highlighting Islamic influences. The altar at the front of the church is decorated with ornately carved sculptures, with gilded pilasters. 4. Frescoes: The walls and ceiling of the nave have been adorned with vivid frescoes, painted in bright colors. 5. Statues: The Cathedral is home to a number of statues, including the Virgin Guadalupe, San Francisco of Asís and Saint Leo, the patron saint of Matanzas. This national monument of Cuba portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Matanzas Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre, is a Catholic temple located in the city of Matanzas in the Republic of Cuba. It was built according to the Baroque architecture of the time but with a pronounced colonial influence. In 1693 the first church of San Carlos Borroméo and Santa Ana was founded in the city. This church was completed in 1716 and was used until 1828, when it was determined that the city, being the capital of the province of Matanzas, required a larger place of worship. With this in mind, in 1828, remodeling began to convert the old church into a temple large enough to serve the needs of the Catholic community. The work, designed by the Italian architect Ignacio Lechago, continued until 1844. The original façade, a combination of Baroque and Neoclassical styles, was remodeled, while the interior was given entirely new decoration. In 1959, the Revolution of Fidel Castro transcended the country, and the Catholic Church was pushed to the margin of the society. The Matanzas Cathedral, despite being closed for two years, was not destroyed and shortly later, in 1964, it was restored, classified as a National Monument and re-opened to the public. Since then, the Matanzas Cathedral continues to serve the Catholic faithful, especially those from the surrounding area. In addition, this temple is also a tourist attraction in Cuba, where large numbers of people come from all over the world to admire its architecture and its art. You must visit one of these historical places in Cuba on your Cuba tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Matanzas Cathedral is the oldest standing cathedral in Cuba. Located in Matanzas, it was built in 1719 and is a landmark of the city. 2. The cathedral is dedicated to Our Lady of the Conception and was designed in the Baroque style. 3. The walls of the building are filled with images of saints and inscriptions from the Bible. These were carved by Italian sculptors to honor their faith. 4. The bell tower of the Cathedral is 36 meters high and houses five bells. 5. In 1856, the ceiling of the church underwent a major renovation with murals that depict heaven and Judgment Day. 6. The building holds a large painting done by Cesareo Valero depicting Christ on the cross surrounded by onlookers. 7. The ministry of culture declared the Matanzas Cathedral a national monument in 1998. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cuba with your friends and family.