Cathedral of Chihuahua
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The Cathedral of Chihuahua is a catholic church and the main building of Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico. It is a fine example of colonial construction in the north of Mexico and dates back to 1725. The cathedral is also the see of the archdiocese of Chihuahua. The current archbishop is Jose Fernandez.
[edit] Style and architecture
The building is designed in the Baroque style from the last period. It is a unique example because it involves the use of some columns like the solomonic that were not very used at that time, it also uses the purist style.
It has an octagonal window in its front shipped from Germany and is considered as one of the best examples in Mexico. Its main body is composed by three main boats divided by a series of monumental columns. In the front a collection of twelve monuments celebrating the twelve original apostles are displayed, as well as a clock in the upper part and finally crowned with an angel that was added during 19th century.
The Sacred Art Museum is located in the basement. It displays a collection of pieces from the Colonial age.
[edit] History
Originally in the place where the cathedral resides now, there was a primitive chapel that was built by Trasviña y Retes one of the first Spanish inhabitants of the village.
The first stone was placed on June 21, 1725 by the Bishop of Durango Benito Crespo y Monroy (It must be considered that in those times Chihuahua depended religiously from Durango).
The cathedral was completed in 1826 when the last tower was finished and the bells were installed. The building was slightly damaged during the French invasion of 1866.
In 1910 with the commemoration of the Century of Independence of Mexico, the cathedral was decorated with lights. It was until 2005 when the cathedral was lighted again however permanently.
