Cathedral of Quito facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Metropolitan Cathedral of QuitoCatedral Metropolitana de Quito |
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Religion | |
Affiliation | Catholic Church |
Province | Province of Quito |
Rite | Roman Rite |
Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Metropolitan cathedral |
Leadership | Archbishop Fausto Trávez Trávez, O.F.M. |
Year consecrated | 1572 |
Location | |
Location | Quito, Ecuador |
Architecture | |
Architect(s) | Antonio García (1807 arch) |
Architectural type | Christian basilical church |
Architectural style | Gothic-Mudéjar, Baroque, Neo-classical |
Groundbreaking | 1562 |
Completed | 1565 |
Direction of façade | Northwest |
Website | |
Website |
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito (Spanish: Catedral Metropolitana de Quito), often just called la Catedral, is a very important Catholic church in Quito, Ecuador. It stands on the southwest side of the Plaza de la Independencia, also known as La Plaza Grande. This cathedral has been a key religious center for a very long time.
It served as the main church for the Diocese of Quito starting in 1545. Later, in 1848, it became an even bigger church called the Archdiocese. In 1995, it was recognized as the Cathedral of Ecuador. This makes it the oldest Catholic church in the entire country.
Contents
What Makes the Quito Cathedral Special?
The Cathedral is a large, white church. It has a tall bell tower on the right side of its main entrance. The church was built with a special design. It has three long sections called naves. These sections are supported by semi-ogival arches resting on square pillars.
A Look at Its Unique Style
The Cathedral's design dates back to the 16th century. Experts say its style is a mix of Gothic and Mudéjar. You can see Gothic features in the pointed arches of its naves. There's also a special walkway called an ambulatory that goes around the main altar area, known as the presbytery.
The Mudéjar style comes from a mix of Christian and Islamic art. This can be seen in the detailed carvings and the unique coffered ceiling inside the Cathedral. It's like a beautiful blend of different cultures and times.
Gallery
Images for kids
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Interior of the Quito Cathedral in 1860 by Henry Walter Bates
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17th-century Mudéjar artesonado of the main nave
See also
In Spanish: Catedral metropolitana de Quito para niños