Cathedral Basilica of Santiago de Cuba facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption |
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| Catedral Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción | |
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| Location | Santiago de Cuba |
| Country | Cuba |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic Church |
The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption (Spanish: Catedral Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción) is a very old and important Catholic church. It is located in Santiago de Cuba, in eastern Cuba. People also call it the Santiago de Cuba Cathedral. This beautiful church stands right in front of Céspedes Park. The front of the building has two amazing marble sculptures.
Contents
History of the Cathedral
The very first church in Santiago was built in 1514. This was at the beginning of the Spanish settlement in Cuba. It was a small, simple chapel. It was dedicated to Saint Catherine. This chapel was on a hill where a prison would later be built.
Becoming a Cathedral
In 1522, this small church was made into a cathedral by Pope Adrian VI. This meant it became the main church for the area. Its construction was finished in 1526.
Surviving Earthquakes
The cathedral has faced many challenges over the years. It was damaged or destroyed by big earthquakes in 1678, 1766, 1852, and 1932. Each time, it was rebuilt.
Special Titles and Status
In 1882, the church received a special title from the Holy See (the Pope's government). It was named a minor basilica. This is an honor given to churches that are very important. Later, in 1958, it became a national monument of Cuba. This means it is a protected historical site.
See also
- Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba
- Roman Catholicism in Cuba
Images for kids
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Another view of the cathedral
