Overview:

Catedral Nuestra Señora de La Paz, Higüey is located in the city of Higüey in the Dominican Republic. It is the third largest city in the Dominican Republic and one of the most prominent cities in the eastern part of the country. The church was built in the 1950s and is one of the oldest and most respected parishes in the country. The church is a prominent example of the Baroque-style structure which was a popular architectural style during the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe and South America. The church's design is heavily inspired by the Tuscan countryside emphasizing its columns, niches, balconies, and its impeccably crafted interiors. The interior of the church is decorated with frescos and images which depict religious figures such as Jesus and the Virgin Mary. The cathedral is also the site of famed statue of Our Lady of Altagracia, or Our Lady of Higüey, which is a symbol of the city and the region at large. The cathedral attracts visitors from around the world to view its grand structure and beautiful architecture and is considered a major tourist attraction in the city. Visitors are also able to attend religious ceremonies and services at the cathedral which is still an important part of the city's local culture. The cathedral is one of the most beautiful sites in the Dominican Republic and a must-see for anyone visiting the area. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Dominican-Republic
Prominent Features:

1. Gothic-style architecture: While much of the exterior and interior of Catedral Nuestra Señora de La Paz, Higüey is made of modern materials, it features a traditional Gothic-style architecture. This includes the pointed arches, stained-glass windows, and intricate stone carvings found in the church. 2. Spanish Colonization Influence: Catedral Nuestra Señora de La Paz, Higüey was built in the style of many of the cathedrals found throughout Spanish-speaking countries. The designs, decorations, and architecture of the church feature influences from Spain's colonization of the Caribbean. 3. High Ceilings and Large Windows: The ceilings of Catedral Nuestra Señora de La Paz, Higüey are exceptionally high and feature expansive windows that allow for light to fill the rooms inside. This helps to create a light and airy feel within the cathedral. 4. White Interior: The interior walls of Catedral Nuestra Señora de La Paz, Higüey are painted white, creating a serene atmosphere. This is further contributed to by the calming music that can often be heard throughout the interior. 5. Statues and Paintings: Along with the elaborate stone carvings, Catedral Nuestra Señora de La Paz, Higüey also features several statues and religious paintings that depict the life of Jesus. These decorations are found throughout the cathedral and help to create an atmosphere of peace and reverence. This national monument of Dominican-Republic portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Catedral Nuestra Señora de La Paz, Higüey, is one of the most important churches in the Dominican Republic and has a history that dates back to the late 16th century. The original church was built in 1593 by the Spanish colonials and dedicated to Our Lady of Peace, a particular devotion to the Virgin Mary. Over the centuries, the church has been enlarged and remodeled, with major changes taking place during the 19th century. The bell tower and the artistic decoration of the interior also underwent modifications. In 1960, Pope John XXIII declared the church a minor basilica. In 1988, Pope John Paul II visited the church and celebrated Mass here. In 2020, for the 500th anniversary of its construction, the church was officially declared a National Monument, making it an important heritage site. Today, the Catedral Nuestra Señora de La Paz, Higüey, is a popular pilgrimage site, particularly during the annual celebrations of Our Lady of Peace on October 7th. The church is known for its impressive architecture and its beautiful stained glass windows, as well as for its sacred artworks and the sculptures of the Virgin Mary that adorn the interior. Despite the changes that have occurred over the past five centuries, the Catedral Nuestra Señora de La Paz, Higüey, remains an important part of Dominican culture and an intriguing reminder of the city’s history. You must visit one of these historical places in Dominican-Republic on your Dominican-Republic tour

Interesting facts:

1. Catedral Nuestra Señora de La Paz is one of the oldest churches in the Dominican Republic, located in the city of Higüey, in the province of La Altagracia. 2. The cathedral is one of the largest churches in Latin America and one of the most important tourist attractions in the Dominican Republic. 3. Located in the middle of the Plaza Mariana de Paredes, the building has two towers crowned with green domes and is said to contain the remains of Christopher Colombus. 4. The church was built in 1548, and its original structure remains intact. It was built in the Gothic-Mudéjar style with its four exterior doors and its altarpiece being of the Renaissance period. 5. It is also home to the largest and oldest statue of the Virgen de La Altagracia in the Dominican Republic, as well as paintings, murals, and sculptures of a series of Dominican artists. 6. Various colonial and republican religious festivities are held inside the church, such as Independence Day and those of the Patroness of Higüey, celebrated in February. Visit one of the famous monuments of Dominican-Republic with your friends and family.