- Address: Padre Aguirre, Cuenca, Ecuador;
- Phone: +593 98 333 5238;
- Working hours: from 8 to 19 with mon. to Fri.
The cathedral of the Nueva is in the city of Cuenca in Ecuador . Other of its names are the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción. Most often it is called the New Cathedral of Cuenca. It is located in a picturesque location - the front of the Calderón Park.
How was the cathedral built?
In 1873, a monk arrived from Alsace in Cuenca. His name was Juan Batista Shtil. He was of German descent and came to the city at the invitation of Bishop Leon Garrido. Juan Batista made a plan for the new cathedral, because the old one was too small and could not accommodate all the parishioners.
In 1885, the foundation stone of the Nueva cathedral was laid. The main style of architecture that prevails in the building is the style of the Renaissance. However, not without the influence of Gothic, classicism and others, although they are not very pronounced.
According to the project, 3 huge domes were built in the cathedral. They were completely covered with a blue and white glaze, which was brought specially from Czechoslovakia. The stained-glass windows are made by the Spanish artist Guillermo Larrazabal.
Features of the building
According to the architect's intention, the towers of the cathedral had to be very high. However, in the process of construction it was found out that the strength of the laid foundation was not enough to sustain their weight. Already during the erection it was necessary to change the plan and make the towers truncated.
Although Larrazabal made a mistake in the calculations, the cathedral still became a symbol of the city. Its domes are visible from any part of it. The size of the cathedral is such that most of the inhabitants of Cuenca can freely take refuge under its vaults.
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