Iglesia San Agustín, Chile facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Iglesia San AgustínIglesia de San Agustín |
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Facade of Iglesia San Agustin
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Church |
| Year consecrated | 1625, 2004 |
| Location | |
| Location |  Santiago, Chile |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | First Construction: Unknown Reconstruction: Julio Lepe |
| Architectural style | Spanish Baroque & Neoclassical |
| Completed | 1625 |
The Iglesia de San Agustín is a very old and important church in Santiago, Chile. It is also known as the Church of St Augustine or Templo de San Agustín. This Catholic church is owned by the Order of Saint Augustine. You can find it in downtown Santiago, at the corner of Agustinas and Estado streets.
Contents
History of the Church
The first church building was started in 1608. The current church was finished in 1625. This makes it the second oldest church in Chile. Only the church of Francis of Assisi is older. The religious group called the Order of Saint Augustine began in Chile right here.
Building Styles
The church shows two main building styles. These are Spanish Baroque and Neoclassical. Baroque style uses lots of fancy details and curves. Neoclassical style uses simpler, classic shapes like those from ancient Greece and Rome.
The Legend of Cristo de Mayo
Inside the church, there is a special wooden carving of Jesus Christ. It is known as Cristo de Mayo. A famous local story is told about this statue. During a big earthquake in Santiago in 1647, the crown of thorns on the statue's head slipped down to its neck.
Someone tried to move the crown back up. But when they did, the face of Christ on the statue seemed to bleed. At the same time, the ground started shaking again! Because of this, the crown has stayed around the statue's neck ever since. No one has tried to move it again.
Saint Rita's Altar
There is also a small altar dedicated to Saint Rita of Cascia. This altar holds a special relic of hers. A relic is a small, important item connected to a saint, like a tiny piece of bone.
Architecture and Design
The main front of the church was changed by an architect named Fermín Vivaceta. This work began in 1850. He gave the church its current Neoclassical look.
The Church Facade
The facade, or front, of the church has a special design. It features a flat top part called an entablature. This part is topped with a balustrade, which looks like a row of small pillars. The entablature rests on six strong Doric columns. These columns are a classic style, known for their simple, sturdy look.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia de San Agustín (Santiago de Chile) para niños
