San Antonio del Monte facts for kids

San Antonio del Monte is also a part of Garafía on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands.

San Antonio del Monte means "Saint Anthony of the mountain" in Spanish. It is a municipality in the Sonsonate department of El Salvador. This town was started in the early 1700s by friars from the Santo Domingo convent in Sonsonate. It sits about 230 meters (755 feet) above sea level. The town is located just one kilometer (about half a mile) west of Sonsonate city. People have long believed that the image of Saint Anthony here has special powers. Many pray to it for good fortune and to find a partner.

The beautiful church you see today began construction on January 20, 1841. Friar Jeronimo Zelaya started the project. Priest Miguel Rosales managed the money for its building. The church cost around 50,000 colones, which was a lot of money back then. It was officially opened and blessed on January 30, 1861. The president of El Salvador, Captain General Gerardo Barrios, was there for the event.

Exploring the Church of San Antonio del Monte

The Church of San Antonio del Monte

The Church of San Antonio del Monte is in the town of San Antonio del Monte. This town is the main part of the municipality. It belongs to the Sonsonate district and department. The church is located only one kilometer from Sonsonate city. It stands 230 meters (755 feet) above sea level.

Building the Church

Work on the church started on January 20, 1841. It was finished on January 30, 1861. We don't know who designed it, but Friar Jeronimo Zelaya began the construction. The church is surrounded by an open area called an atrium.

Church Design and Features

The front of the church looks like a large, decorated screen. It has two main sections. These sections are separated by a clear horizontal line. The lower section has two pairs of columns in the Corinthian style. These columns are decorated with oval shapes between them.

The upper section has pillars and three arches at the top. The arches on the sides have rosette decorations. The middle arch shows the shield of the Dominican order. A cross sits on top of these arches.

The church roof has a dome over the sacristy and the bell tower. These domes are topped with small, open structures called lanterns. The side entrances of the church are framed by two pairs of columns and a decorative front.

Historical Records of Construction

A report from the municipality on November 25, 1856, mentioned the church. It said, "It is worth noting that a new temple is being built. It is funded by donations and will be finished soon. The building is made entirely of stone and mortar." True to this report, the construction ended on January 30, 1861.

Founding the Town

Dominican friars founded San Antonio del Monte in the early 1700s. In 1733, these monks began building a small chapel there. This chapel was dedicated to San Antonio of Padua. It was opened and blessed on August 4, 1749. Friar Antonio Calvo, the Vicar, led the blessing. This information comes from the book "El Salvador, History of their towns, villages, and cities" by Jorge Larde y Larín.

Festivals and Celebrations

The main town festivals happen on June 13. These celebrations honor San Antonio. There is also a big commercial fair on the third Sunday of August. This is when the famous "Cumpas" meeting takes place. It is a special gathering for the community.

See also

In Spanish: San Antonio del Monte para niños