Overview:

: Catedral Santa Cruz, Barahona is a Catholic Church located in the city of Barahona in the Dominican Republic. It is one of the oldest churches in the Dominican Republic, and is often referred to as the "grandfather of all churches". The church was constructed in the late 19th century and has been a symbol of faith for the city ever since. The church features a neo-classical design and is made of red brick and limestone. There is a large clock face that towers over the entrance that is often used to tell time in the city. Inside, there is a massive chandelier, ornately decorated walls, and stained glass windows. The church also houses a monastery and serves as a popular tourist destination for visitors to the area. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Dominican-Republic
Prominent Features:

1. Grand Romanesque cathedral with striking Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque features 2. Over 500 year old, vividly painted interiors with wood pews, enormous altarpieces and neoclassical statuary 3. Beautiful iron-and-wood doors with medieval detailing 4. Stone bell tower with three clocks 5. Magnificent dome with stained glass windows 6. Belfry and Baroque baptistery 7. Numerous chapels including the one dedicated to the Virgin of Altagracia 8. Interesting crypts and historic tombs from the old cemetery 9. Home to many religious artifacts and art pieces 10. Interesting and peaceful small park with benches and surrounded by walls This national monument of Dominican-Republic portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Cathedral of Santa Cruz in Barahona, Dominican Republic is believed to have been constructed in the 16th or 17th centuries, though there is no exact record of when it was built. Santa Cruz is located in Luis Beltrán district, near the town of Cabral, just a few kilometers away from the Atlantic Ocean. The cathedral is considered to be one of the oldest surviving colonial churches in the Dominican Republic. Its main facade, made of limestone and coral, remains almost unchanged from its original construction. The church is divided into three naves, which are separated by two rows of strong granite columns. The Cathedral is dedicated to the Santisima Cruz (Most Holy Cross). The main altar is dedicated to the Holy Cross, flanked by two side altars. The first is dedicated to Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes (Our Lady of Mercy) and the second to San Nicolás de Gran (Saint Nicolas). Three renowned Dominican painters, Fernando Ulloa, Domingo Liz and Ramón Ovando, are responsible for the artwork inside the church. The special feature of this old cathedral is the clock, donated by a wise lady from Havanna, which is still kept in perfect condition despite the passing of the centuries. This ancient time-keeper has also been recognized as an important part of the Dominican imaginery. The Cathedral of Barahona still stands as a living testimony of the country’s colonial history, and continues to be a popular destination for visitors seeking a closer look at the Dominican Republic’s cultural richness. You must visit one of these historical places in Dominican-Republic on your Dominican-Republic tour

Interesting facts:

1. Catedral Santa Cruz was built in 1533, making it one of Dominican Republic's oldest cathedrals. 2. The Cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Barahona. 3. The cathedral is one of the few architectural monuments in the Caribbean to be constructed in Renaissance style. 4. Catedral Santa Cruz is the final resting place of Benito Moncion, the first President of the Dominican Republic. 5. The Cathedral also features a massive Biblical mural painted by the Italian artist Humberto Blasini. 6. Every June 13th, masses are held at Catedral Santa Cruz to honor the patron saint of the Dominican Republic, Saint Anthony of Padua. 7. The cathedral is also home to a Gothic-style bell tower, which was built in the 18th century. 8. In 1998 Catedral Santa Cruz was declared a National Monument by the Dominican Republic. Visit one of the famous monuments of Dominican-Republic with your friends and family.