Ever wondered why the Iglesia De La Ciudad stands where it does? The Iglesia De La Ciudad is more than just a church. It’s a testament to faith and architectural evolution.
Initially named Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción its construction began in 1582. Gregorio Ferreira and Juan Rodríguez used stone bricks and lime to build it. Carpenter Mateo Domínguez made the roof’s framework. Hernando Álvarez oversaw the creation of 30000 roof tiles.
Architect Ricardo González Merguete improved the plans. Architects and Jesuits provided a strong boost. Giovanni Battista Primoli designed the main floor plan. It mimicked the Jesuit Church of the Gesú in Rome. The Iglesia De La Ciudad was officially consecrated in 1706.
However much of the initial structure was lost in a 1677 collapse. The incomplete Iglesia De La Ciudad was inaugurated in 1709.
Franciscan Friar Vicente Muñoz designed the dome with lantern towers in 1758. Andrea Bianchi designed the facade completed in 1729. The large bell towers were finished in 1787. The tower clock was a gift from the English railway in the 19th century. A statue of Christ the Redeemer was added in 1901. It was made in Paris France.
Inside the Iglesia De La Ciudad sunlight enters through lunettes in the central nave. The basilica-type nave is elevated. Tall wide golden columns separate it from side naves. There is a pipe organ above the narthex. The southeast tower has a large clock. Sculpted figures playing trumpets adorn the corners of the towers. They are dressed in indigenous attire.
Many prominent figures are buried in the narthex and crypts. These include José María Paz Margarita Weild and Gregorio Funes. Bishop Hernando de Trejo y Sanabria and Friar Mamerto Esquiú are also interred here. The main altar features embossed silver from Colonial Bolivia.
The dome at the nave’s intersection is striking. It is flanked by octagonal turrets. Pairs of columns lead to a cornice. Fins resembling inverted corbels are crowned by pinnacles. Large curvilinear windows are between the columns. Ribs cover the dome supported by small columns. A lantern adorned with pilasters pinnacles and windows crowns the structure. A bulbiform dome tops it with a weather vane.
The Iglesia De La Ciudad blends Renaissance Spanish colonial Baroque Neoclassicism and Mudéjar elements. The cathedral’s treasure includes silver and gold ex-vows and jewels. Wealthy faithful and urban collections donated these items. Silver crosiers gold crowns and brocaded silk shawls are among the treasures. Part of the treasury was looted in the late 20th century.
Today the Iglesia De La Ciudad stands as the oldest functional colonial building in Argentina. It is a National Historic Monument near the Jesuit Block. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When visiting note the blend of styles and the stories etched in its walls. Each corner whispers tales of faith art and resilience. The Iglesia De La Ciudad is a journey through time.