Matanzas Cathedral facts for kids
The Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo (in Spanish: Catedral de San Carlos Borromeo) is an important Catholic church located in Matanzas, Cuba. It is the main church for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Matanzas, where the Bishop, Manuel Hilario de Céspedes y García Menocal, leads religious services.
Contents
History of the Cathedral
Building the First Church
The journey to build this special church began a long time ago. On October 12, 1693, the very first stone was placed. This was a big moment! The first religious service, called a Mass, was led by the Bishop of Santiago, Diego Evelino Hurtado de Compostela.
From Simple to Strong
The first church was quite simple. It was built using the leaves, or fronds, of the royal palm tree. However, this simple building did not last long. A strong storm destroyed it. After that, people decided to build a much stronger church.
The Current Cathedral
Construction on the church you see today started soon after the storm. The main building was finished in 1735. By 1750, all parts of the church were ready and being used. This cathedral is known for being very beautiful and elegant. It has amazing paintings, called frescoes, on its walls, ceilings, and inside its large dome.
Recent Restoration Work
Over many years, the cathedral needed some care. In 2017, the church was carefully restored. This means it was repaired and cleaned to bring back its original beauty.
Location of the Cathedral
The Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo is found in the city of Matanzas. It is located in the part of the city that sits between two rivers, the Yumuri and San Juan.
Nearby Landmarks
The cathedral is very close to some other important places. It is only about half a block away from the Parque de la Libertad, which means Freedom Park. It is also near the Palacio Provincial, or Provincial Palace. You can find the cathedral on Jovellanos Street (calle Jovellanos), between Milanes Street and Independence Street.
Gallery
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Matanzas Cathedral's North Tower
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South Tower
See also
In Spanish: Catedral de San Carlos Borromeo (Matanzas) para niños
- Religion in Cuba
