- Address: Catedral Sobaya, La Paz, Bolivia
- Year of foundation: 1935.
For a long time Bolivia was a colony of Spain. The indigenous inhabitants were massively converted to Catholicism, and by 1609 almost 80% of the population were Catholics. Catholic churches began to be built in the country, many of which are well preserved.
The Cathedral of the Virgin Mary in La Paz
The Cathedral of the Virgin Mary is the main religious attraction of La Paz and one of the most beautiful buildings of Bolivia. The cathedral was built in 1935. It is considered a fairly young religious structure in La Paz. The history of the construction of this cathedral is quite unconventional. The fact is that earlier on the site of this building was a temple built in 1672, but in the beginning of the XIX century it was demolished because of the beginning of caving. Then it was rebuilt again, this time in the form of a large cathedral.
Architecture of the Cathedral
The construction of the Cathedral in La Paz was conducted for 30 years, and its official opening was held on the centenary of the Republic of Bolivia.
The architectural style of the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary can be characterized as neoclassicism with some elements of baroque. In general, the temple is a building with high stone walls and ceilings, its outer and inner walls are covered with luxurious paintings, and the main decorations of the cathedral are its stained-glass windows. The altar, the staircase and the foundation of the choir are the real pride of the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary. They are made of Italian marble. The altar is decorated with numerous icons.
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How to get to the Cathedral of Our Lady in La Paz?
The Cathedral of the Virgin Mary is located on the Piazza Murillo . In the immediate vicinity of it is the bus stop Av Mariscal Santa Cruz. From this stop to the square you need to walk (the road takes just under 10 minutes) or, if desired, take a taxi.