Overview:

: Iglesia San Francisco de Asís is a Baroque-style church located in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. It was built between the years of 1657 to 1727 and features elements from various architectural styles. Iglesia San Francisco de Asís is one of the oldest and most historically significant churches in the entire country. It is a notable tourist attraction and serves as an important site for religious ceremonies and events. The church is also renowned for its art collection, its grand architecture and its religious artifacts. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Dominican-Republic
Prominent Features:

1. The church was built in 1540 by the Franciscan Friars. 2. The façade has an intricate baroque design, with a central entrance guarded by two towers connected by a double gallery. 3. The church houses a wooden sculpture of St. Francis of Assisi, which dates back to 1650. 4. The stained glass windows contain a wide variety of Biblical and religious scenes. 5. The main altar is of ornately decorated marble, with gold gilding and reliefs. 6. In the nave of the church lies a marble statue of Jesus Christ, carved in 1698 by sculptor Vicente Albán. 7. A crypt containing the remains of 14th century Dominican friar Pedro de Asís can be found in the church. 8. It is the oldest standing church in Santo Domingo and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This national monument of Dominican-Republic portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Iglesia San Francisco de Asís (Church of San Francisco de Asís) is a Roman Catholic church located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. It is the oldest church in the Americas, having been founded in 1538. The church was originally built in a style called Mudéjar, or Mudejar. This style is a result of the mixing of European and Moorish influences, which started in the 13th century. Over the centuries, many renovations have taken place, changing the overall design and look of the church, however, much of the original structure still remains. Today, the church is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from around the world. The construction of the Iglesia San Francisco de Asís began in 1538. The church was first built in a Mudéjar style, though it was modified over time as new materials and influences were incorporated into the design. The interior of the church was decorated with paintings, sculptures, and carved wood that depicted scenes from the Bible. Throughout the centuries, the church has been significantly altered and expanded. In 1738, the roof of the original structure was replaced with copper plates. And in the late 18th century, the church was expanded to a Baroque-style building, complete with a new facade, towers, and a bell tower. The interior of the church was also renovated to reflect the changing times. Today, the Iglesia San Francisco de Asís continues to be a popular tourist destination for those visiting the Dominican Republic. Visitors can explore the original structure and appreciate its tremendous history. The church also serves as a reminder of the country’s rich cultural heritage and the importance of its many religious traditions. You must visit one of these historical places in Dominican-Republic on your Dominican-Republic tour

Interesting facts:

: 1. Iglesia San Francisco de Asís is located in the heart of the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and is considered one of the oldest churches in the Americas. 2. The construction of the church began in 1540 and took almost 50 years to complete. 3. Iglesia San Francisco was the first church to be installed in the New World by Christopher Columbus and is considered to be the oldest Catholic Church in the Americas. 4. The church was destroyed by the Big Fire of Santo Domingo of 1586 and was then rebuilt and continued to be used until it was destroyed in 1709. 5. The current building, which was built in the early 20th century, still preserves much of the architectural beauty of the period, with columns, domes, altars, and other artwork which were added over time. 6. In addition to its historical relevance, Iglesia San Francisco de Asís is known for its impressive Dominican art and colonial décor, as well as for its popular Sunday masses which attract hundreds of devotees. 7. The remains of Christopher Columbus are said to be buried in one of the side chapels of the church. Visit one of the famous monuments of Dominican-Republic with your friends and family.