Wednesday, July 12, 2017

BUENOS AIRES....THE CHURCHES

You don’t have to be a Catholic to appreciate the beautiful colonial churches and cathedrals of Buenos Aires. God generally inspires some of the best architecture around, and in Buenos Aires it’s no different. The churches there were plentiful, and while I'm not religious by any means, I have always loved the grand and old architecture of the building themselves.I just always worry, you see, with my very sinful background and questionable morals, will the building withstand my presence? It's a chance I take at every wedding!

The Buenos Aires Catedral Metropolitana ,Metropolitan Cathedral, was originally built in the sixteenth century, although it has since undergone several changes and the current building was constructed in 1745. The long and varied history of the Catedral Metropolitana can be seen through its diverse architecture, ranging from its neoclassical façade designed by French architects Prosper Catelin and Pierre Benoit to its 18th century nave, dome and altars. As the main church of the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, Catedral Metropolitana forms the center of catholic life in the city. Catedral Metropolitana contains the mausoleum of General San Martin, a central figure in Argentina’s struggle for independence from Spain. It was one of two of the most spectacular churches we saw.

Basilica de Nuestra Senora Del Pilar
Across from the famous Recoleta Cemetery where Eva Peron is buried, is this beautiful Basilica. Tourists visit the Cemetery, but very few tour the Basilica we were told, which has a lot of history of Buenos Aires. It is a well kept treasure where you find so many religious items that were used so long ago. There is a beautiful carved gold alter - it is amazing!  It is also the second oldest church in Buenos Aries.

Parroquia San Nicolas de Bari
This church has a history with an older church on this site dating back centuries. If the sunlight is good.... look at paintings here on the side on an angle and you will see gold flecks in the paintings. 2-3 small altars on the side and outside that have interesting statuary. Very, very beautiful church which is open everyday to the public.

La Plata is not the first place on a traveler’s Argentina itinerary but it’s worth the one-hour trip south of Buenos Aires to experience stunning architecture.

The Cathedral of La Plata was worth the drive alone, and is a Neogothic cathedral and is located in the city center of La Plata. The first stone was placed in 1884, but the church opened in 1932. The cathedral is known for its eight towers of different heights and its symphonic bell tower.  This was the other favorite cathedral of mine. Just soring architecture.

The San Pedro Gonzalez Telmo Church
The San Pedro Gonzalez Telmo church is also known as the Nuestra Señora de Belén church. A good church can never have too many names I say. Some Jesuits named Blanqui, Bautista, Primoli and Schmidt designed the original, and kicked off the building in 1734. That makes it one of the oldest churches in the city, but I was told not the oldest, which is the San Ignacio church. The church’s architecture was then added to and restored a few times up to the present, which accounts for it’s lovely eclectic style. By the book, its style is ‘neo-colonial,’ but can also be described by natives as a ‘fancy iced wedding cake.’ Of the smaller churches, it was by far my favorite.

 After my visits, I'm sure the good citizens of Argentina were relieved the churches were still standing. That's gotta be a testament to strength.

Up next...Eva and some water works

32 comments:

  1. Amazing! Also amazing how they build them with little more than manual labor.

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    1. Your right....how long would it takes us to get such beauty manually?

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  2. Turley stunning! The Dogs Mother makes a great point. I can't think of any churches we have close to these...maybe Saint's Pats.

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  3. OMG.....so BREATHTAKING! How did you manage to come back?

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  4. Anonymous7/12/2017

    I'm surprised the buildings didn't collapse when you walked through the doors?
    JP

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    1. They did trembled a bit.....

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    2. I was wondering the same thing myself, JP.

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  5. Those are beautiful pics! I kind of wish the San Nicolas one could be converted to a living space. I really like it.

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    1. It was a stunning church. Would make a cool living space if that ever happens there.

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  6. Don't worry, Mistress, Thor won't let anyone else use the thunderbolts but him and he's a hip kinda guy, so you're safe!

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  7. Those are some good looking cathedrals! I had a friend in high school that wore a band shirt for the band Cathedral to school, and I asked if it said Cat Head.

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  8. Wow - these photos are so beautiful that they almost inspire me to pray - -
    and heaven knows I need it... Thanks for the tour.

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  9. VERY european influence inside and outside these buildings. it's a wonder you were not molested by a priest.

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    1. Rumors are flying around that the Democrats are starting rumors.

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  10. Omg!!!!! I can't even imagine being there! Incredible!

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  11. Churches offer amazing architecture and decor. They are always on my agenda when traveling the great old cities.

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    1. Me too. In some, is amazing how huge they are.

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  12. This is simply amazing! I just bet you were on your knees ...praying of course.

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  13. I love looking at the architecture of churches. These all seem to have amazing windows, incredible ceilings, and an impressive selection of sculptures and mater pieces altars.

    I am beginning to see why you didn't want to leave there.

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  14. Thanks for sharing these. What a great trip that must have been. The architecture there is amazing. Never knew how pretty it was there.

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  15. I'd love to visit Buenos Aires one day. I almost went there in 2007 but my plans changed. I could shoot myself now. Amazing post.

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  16. The Cathedral of La Plata is downright incredible. The smaller churches are quite quaint, even though, they are very ornate. Loving these post, thanks for taking us with you

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  17. You are fortunate to have so many opportunities to travel, while your off Mistress. Thank you for allowing us to experience these places through the photographs that you share, the city is most definitely beautiful.

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  18. Stunning and amazing.....amazing that there still standing. I had no idea there was so much to see there.I'd love to visit one day

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  19. Wow!!!!!! I for a minute thought you were never coming back. I too love church architecture.

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  20. This makes me want to go to Buenos Aires. I've always wanted to go but now I really, really want to go. Great photos.

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  21. That sounds like it would be an awesome trip! Keep the post coming...enjoying them coming.

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  22. Magnificent architecture! Your photos show it all off so beautifully. No wonder you want to go back.

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  23. Basilica de Nuestra Senora Del Pilar was my favorite when I went there, but they are all stunning.San Ignacio was very nice too see too.

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Go ahead darling, tell me something fabulous!