If you’re a history buff, church-going is a must-do when traveling to South America. These beautiful buildings are a treasure trove of history, artifacts, and beauty. Whether you’re a religious person or you just enjoy iconic landmarks, churches offer a refreshing balance to the bustling metropolises. In addition, many churches have impressive views of the sea. Below are some of the best churches in South America.
Santa Rosa de Lima church
In the city of Lima, the Santa Rosa de Lima church is one of the most important religious sites. This church is named after the Dominican sister who founded a hospital for the poor in her parents’ home. There, she nursed and healed the poor. The church contains her relics, including the image of the Jesus Child, which performed miracles through her prayers. On August 30, Santa Rosa is celebrated and the entire city celebrates this feast day.
The saintly Rose of Lima was declared a saint by the Catholic Church in the New World. Her shrine is located inside the convent of Saint Dominic in Lima. The Catholic Church claims many miracles followed her death. Several places in the New World are named after her. Visiting the Santa Rosa de Lima church is one of the most important pilgrimages you can take in your life.
The interior of the Santa Rosa de Lima church is equally magnificent. The beautiful, two-story altar of the St. Joseph’s shrine is decorated with mosaics that adorn its walls. The beautiful interior of the church contains native Guarani favorites and a heavenly gold canopy. Its friendly, helpful staff will guide you through the many rooms and statues inside. If you’re visiting the city, it’s worth your time to stop by one of the best churches in South America.
The church’s renowned history is fascinating. Its founding pastor, Archbishop Toribio, was a humble and pious man. The church’s interior architecture is a reflection of the times it was built. Despite its small size, it contains a vast collection of religious artifacts. Its architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features stunning stained-glass windows.
The church is home to a remarkable mural depicting the crucifixion. Originally titled “Cristo de Pachacamilla,” it was painted by an Angolan slave. Its survival is considered an amazing miracle, and has become the focus of annual processions. The church was built on the site of the mural and became a pilgrimage destination. Every spring, processions are held for the Lord of Miracles.
Buenos Aires cathedral
Buenos Aires Cathedral is a stunning building, built in 1730. Its Neo-Classical exterior features twelve columns that represent Christ’s apostles. Inside, you can see an allegory for the unity of the Argentine nation, which was torn apart by civil unrest in the early 1700s. The cathedral has many religious symbols, including a votive candle that remembers the country’s liberator Jose de San Martin.
Among the most notable features of the cathedral are its pulpit and main altarpiece. The main altarpiece was created by Spanish sculptor Juan Antonio Gaspar Hernandez, who would go on to direct the city’s first art school. The cathedral could be regarded as a pictorial museum, with its fourteen magnificent pictures. A calvarium, or crucifix, is a traditional catholic church decoration.
After the third chapel, you can see the San Martin mausoleum. The marble pantheon is a work of art by French sculptor Louis-Robert Carrier-Belleuse. It is surrounded by three female figures who represent the nations San Martin liberated. The entrance is guarded by grenadiers, who guard the tomb and the crypt.
The main Catholic church was finished in 1827. It is home to Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio, who served as archbishop from 1998 to 2013. The interior of the cathedral has baroque details and a rococo altar. Inside the cathedral, there is a small museum and gift shop dedicated to its history. This cathedral is an absolute must-see for any Argentine traveler.
The Buenos Aires Cathedral is the city’s most beautiful church, featuring a conical roof reminiscent of the Mayan Pyramids. It rises 330ft above the canyon and is connected to the opposite side of the canyon by a bridge 160ft high. The exterior facade is stunning with its pink Corinthian columns. Its interior features intricate mosaics depicting various religious symbols. One particularly striking feature is the statue of Christ on the floor.
While the Argentine population is no longer majority Catholic, there are still plenty of other churches to see in the city. In fact, Buenos Aires is one of the few cities in South America with a significant Roman Catholic Church. Aside from the Cathedral, other churches in the city are equally impressive. Buenos Aires has one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the continent.
Catedral de San Cristobal in Havana
The Cathedral of Havana is the city’s main attraction, located in the Plaza de la Catedral, the newest central plaza in Old Havana. However, the building facades are somewhat lackluster, with little personality. A visit to Havana would be a worthwhile experience if you want to see a stunning piece of architecture. Here are a few highlights.
The Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Habana is located in the heart of Old Havana, and is a notable architectural landmark. Built in 1748 and consecrated in 1782, it is the tallest church in Havana, South America. The building was designed by the Italian architect Francesco Borromini and is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. The cathedral is one of the few remaining examples of this style in the world, and it was the architect’s first major project.
The cathedral has been described as the most beautiful cathedral in South America. It was built in the Baroque style, and its facade is covered with columns. It features murals by Italian painter Guiseppe Perovani, and several smaller altars. The cathedral also contains a wooden image of Saint Christopher, which dates back to 1633. The cathedral is also said to house the ashes of Christopher Columbus, who died while exploring the area.
Besides being the city’s most important building, the Catedral de San Cristóbal is also a must-see in Havana, South America. The Catedral of San Cristobal is a beautiful baroque cathedral in Havana. Originally called the Cathedral of St. Christopher, the cathedral’s asymmetrical architecture allows for water to flow through the streets.
The baroque facade of the cathedral is adorned with clinging columns, resembling a great sea. The baroque architecture of the Catedral de San Cristobal in Havana was described as “music turned to stone” by Cuban novelist Alejo Carpentier. The cathedral has mismatched towers, and the bells are reputedly cast in gold and silver.