On one side of Plaza de Mayo is the Metropolitan Cathedral (one of the first historic churches I can think of that is not named after a saint). The facade does not really look like a classic cathedral and was perhaps built on after the original structure was constructed. Behind the line of the facade is a pretty dome that you can't really see from the street.
Panoramic view from the center of the nave. Beautiful sanctuary. Ceilings were strongly lit with lower sections being more in the shadows. All of the side alters in the church were very well kept, not dusty and dilapidated like some that I've seen.
Central alter
Center dome
Mausoleum of General San Martin (in the cathedral) and guarded by two live guards with swords. He was the general who let the country to independence against the Spanish.
One of the unique features was that most of the statuary in the cathedral were carved from wood, not stone. It made them look somehow more alive and warm than many of the stone statues I've seen.
I've never seen anything quite like this statue of Jesus riding the donkey. It was quite popular for people to pose with (you can see the little boy on the left).
My favorite feature of the church was the floor. It was made entirely of tiny mosaic tiles set in this floral pattern. Beautiful and intricate. Really striking after seeing so many cathedrals with grey stone or marble floors.
No comments:
Post a Comment