Overview:

Iglesia San Antonio de Padua, Santo Domingo is a Roman Catholic church located in the city of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. It is the oldest church in the city and one of the oldest churches in the Americas. The original construction of the church was in 1590, and it was heavily damaged during the French Invasion in 1795. As a result, the church was rebuilt in 1797. The church features a baroque architecture style, and is home to several unique works of art, including a sculpture of San Antonio created by sculptor Bartolomé Mas. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Dominican-Republic
Prominent Features:

1. Monumental Iglesia San Antonio de Padua: The Monumental Iglesia San Antonio de Padua, located in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, Dominican-Republic, is a massive church that stands as one of the most emblematic landmarks in the Caribbean region. This Renaissance-style church was built in the 16th century and is considered one of the most beautiful and important religious edifices in the Caribbean. It features a breathtaking facade adorned with marble sculptures and an elaborate large dome. 2. Artwork and Murals: The interior of the church is adorned with high-quality artwork and murals, which display scenes from the Bible and Christian history. These murals were painted by Dominican artist Francisco Caro, who immortalized beautifully crafted depictions of the Catholic faith. 3. Ornate Altars: The altar area of the church is adorned with ornate woodcarvings and elaborate artwork. The main altar is one of the most exquisite pieces of art commissioned by the Dominican Republic’s church authorities. 4. Iconic Bell Tower: The bell tower of Iglesia San Antonio de Padua is an iconic structure that has been featured on postcards, newspapers, and photography albums. It was built in the 18th century and stands as an impressive witness to the religious history of the city. 5. Shrine of Santa Barbara: The shrine of Santa Barbara is a smaller and more intimate chapel located inside the church. It was built in 1747 and is home to a wooden statue of the patroness of the Caribbean region. This national monument of Dominican-Republic portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Iglesia San Antonio de Padua, or Church of San Antonio de Padua, is one of the oldest religious sites in the Dominican Republic. Located in the colonial zone of Santo Domingo, the Iglesia San Antonio de Padua dates back to 1514 when it was ordered to be built by then-Governor Diego Colon (Christopher Columbus’s son). The church was designed by Italian architect Giovanni Battista Carbonio, who designed several of the churches in the Dominican Republic. The church is built in the Gothic style, with a single nave and two large towers at its entrance. The main altar is of Baroque style, with a large painting of San Antonio de Padua at the center. The Iglesia San Antonio de Padua has a long and rich history. It was here that the Treaty of Tordesillas was signed in 1506 between the Spanish and the Portuguese to divide up the New World. It was also here that the Spanish Inquisition was first carried out in the new world in 1509. The church also served as a meeting place for priests and students during the 16th and 17th centuries. During the colonial era, the church was actively involved in the local community and its mission was to spread evangelization and educate the catechism. It was also home to several religious orders such as the Merceders, Franciscan and Augustins, Friars, and Dominicans, among others. The church suffered a major earthquake in 1926 and was restored in 1955, but much of the original interior was lost, including the main altar painting. During the years of the Trujillo dictatorship, from 1930 to 1961, the church was neglected and many of its original features were lost. Today, the church stands as a reminder of the long and rich history of the Dominican Republic. It is a popular tourist attraction, with visitors flocking to marvel at its Gothic architecture and impressive main altar painting. Despite the centuries of wear and tear, the Iglesia San Antonio de Padua continues to be the oldest religious site in the country. You must visit one of these historical places in Dominican-Republic on your Dominican-Republic tour

Interesting facts:

: 1. Iglesia San Antonio de Padua is the oldest church in the New World, built in 1541. 2. The church was originally built as a three-nave mud-brick building in the Gothic architecture style, but was later rebuilt in the Renaissance style in 1536. 3. The church was originally used for religious ceremonies, but has sincew become a popular tourist attraction and cultural center. 4. Iglesia San Antonio de Padua has a beautiful Baroque style portico and tower. 5. The church was the venue of the first sermon delivered in the New World by Friar Bartholome de las Casas in 1543. 6. An old convent and school were added to the Iglesia San Antonio de Padua in the late 17th century, and the church still functions as a school today. 7. Inside the Iglesia, visitors can find a wooden altar, pulpit and benches from the 16th century which was added in the 19th century. 8. The Church's bell tower stands at 60 meters tall, making it the tallest in the Americas. Visit one of the famous monuments of Dominican-Republic with your friends and family.