Iglesia de San Agustín (La Serena) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Iglesia de San Agustín |
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| 29°54′07″S 71°14′48″W / 29.9020°S 71.2466°W | |
| Location | Arturo Prat 690, La Serena |
| Country | Chile |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Eclectic |
| Administration | |
| Archdiocese | Roman Catholic Archdiocese of La Serena |
The Church of St Augustine is an important Catholic building located in La Serena, Chile. It stands at the corner of Arturo Prat and Cienfuegos streets. This church has a unique mix of styles, known as eclectic architecture.
Contents
A Look at the Church's History
Early Days and Challenges
The first church building was constructed in 1672 by the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. Just eight years later, in 1680, a pirate named Bartholomew Sharp set the church on fire. After this, in 1768, the Augustinians religious order took over the church.
Rebuilding After Disasters
The church has faced many challenges over the years. In 1798, a big storm damaged the top part of its tower. It was quickly rebuilt the next year. Then, in 1847, an earthquake caused serious damage to the tower again. A builder named Juan Herbage rebuilt it three years later.
Another earthquake in 1903 caused more structural problems. Sadly, the church burned down completely in 1912. It was rebuilt in 1913 with three main sections, called naves.
Modern Reconstructions
In 1959, another fire destroyed the newly rebuilt church. Later, a strong earthquake in 1975, known as the 1975 Coquimbo earthquake, caused even more severe damage.
The most recent rebuilding project started in 1985. Architect Pedro Broquedis led this big effort. The work finished in 1994, which was a special year because it marked 450 years since La Serena was founded. The church officially reopened on August 18, 1995. However, church services had already started again in a part of the building in 1990. Since 2002, the Order of Augustinian Recollects has been in charge of managing the church.
