Overview:

The Old Cathedral of Barquisimeto - Lara State In Venezuela is located in the historic center of Barquisimeto, one of the largest cities in the country, inside the Central Park of the city. It is the main religious temple of the city and an important architectural symbol. The Old Cathedral of Barquisimeto was built in the late 18th century and was designed by Thomas Signoret, a French-born architect. It stands out for its neoclassical lines, the use of reddish sandstone and the simple white interior. It has a single nave with lateral chapels, three sections framed by two pilasters and a triangular pediment. The façade is characterized by its portico with four Ionic columns and a decoration made up of geometric motifs, floral rosettes and the representation of St. Matthew, the patron saint of Barquisimeto. Inside, a Baroque altarpiece of the Virgin of the Rosary stands out as well as other sculptures representing several Catholic religious figures. The Old Cathedral of Barquisimeto has been declared a Cultural Patrimony of the nation since 1967 and is considered one of the most beautiful chapels in Venezuela. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Venezuela
Prominent Features:

1. Constructed in the early 1700s – The Old Cathedral of Barquisimeto was built in the early 1700s, giving it a long history of religious importance to the city of Barquisimeto. 2. Architectural style – Despite the age of the cathedral, the architecture and style of the building is still intact. The Old Cathedral of Barquisimeto displays typical features of religious architecture of the region, including arches, carved columns, simple walls, and worked altars. 3. Components of the cathedral – The cathedral includes a main prayer room, two side chapels, the main facade, a bell tower of approximately 10 meters in height, and an old confessional. 4. Historical significance – The Barquisimeto Cathedral is an important piece of Venezuelan history. It has been used as a center of culture and religion in the city for centuries, and is a symbol of the faith of the people of Barquisimeto. 5. Symbolism – The old cathedral can also be seen as a symbol of Venezuela’s past, where colonial influences are still evident in the architecture and design of the building. This is especially true of the old confessional, a traditional component of colonial churches in the area. This national monument of Venezuela portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Old Cathedral of Barquisimeto in Lara State, Venezuela, was built between 1873 and 1876. It was designed by Jeremias Sanabria and is considered one of the most important religious buildings in Venezuela. The construction began in 1873 under the direction of Father Jose Maria Blanco and lasted until 1876. The architectural style of the church is Romanesque, with a façade made of brick and stone. Inside the building there are numerous chapels dedicated to various saints and figures from Christian mythology. The building is considered one of the oldest in Barquisimeto, and in its time was the tallest structure in the city. It stands 40 meters tall, and its tower contains six bells, which are rung at various points throughout the day. The original bell that hung on the church was made in 1864 and is still located inside the building. The building has undergone some repairs over the years, such as replacing the roof and making some structural adjustments due to the wear caused by earthquakes and heavy rains. The stained glass windows, which date from the early 20th century, were replaced in 1999 with similar designs. Today, the Old Cathedral of Barquisimeto is a National Historic Monument and one of the most visited churches in the city. It is also the base for various cultural activities, such as live concerts, art exhibitions, and academic events. The Church of Barquisimeto is also used regularly for religious ceremonies, such as baptisms, weddings, funerals, and other Catholic services. You must visit one of these historical places in Venezuela on your Venezuela tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Old Cathedral of Barquisimeto, built in 1579, is the oldest church in Venezuela. 2. It is the fourth-oldest church in South America. 3. It is located in the city of Barquisimeto in the northwest state of Lara, Venezuela. 4. The church was damaged by the earthquake of 1810 and rebuilt between 1825 and 1835. 5. The old cathedral is the seat of the diocese of the city and is decorated with the Baroque style. 6. It has a neoclassical façade that was built in the 19th century. 7. It is the main religious building in the city and the focus of devotion for the region’s Catholic community. 8. The painting of the Holy Trinity is the main attraction of the church and was painted in 1742 by the Italian artist Luigi Mayer. 9. The most important icon in the building is the image of Our Lady of the Rosary of Barquisimeto, which is venerated by Venezuelan Catholics as the protector of the city. Visit one of the famous monuments of Venezuela with your friends and family.