The original church in San Ignacio was completed in 1761. It was designed by Friar Martin Schmid and was completed by one of his colleagues, only to be destroyed by fire in the early 19th century. It was rebuilt, but the giant structure was allowed to deteriorate, compounded by the harsh economic climate and lack of man power during the Chaco war in the early 20th century, and was finally demolished in 1948. Twenty years later a modern building was put in its place, until 1998, when a painstaking reconstruction of the original church began under the guidance of Hans Roth and Bishop Carlos Stetter.

The church (or cathedral as it is now) that you see before you today is a replica of the original 18th century church, complete with 12 meter wood columns and intricate statues. The shear enormity of the structure and beautifully constructed alter is impressive, especially considering it came from barely nothing and was built in three years. Many of the original wood carvings can be found in the interior, including the carved altarpieces. Its inner structure is divided into three sections, complete with carved wooden columns, and is decorated in gold.

The concrete bell-tower to the side of the church is what remains of the modern church that was built here in the second half of the 20th century.

Location:
Plaza 31 de Julio
San Ignacio De Velasco, Bolivia

Historical Building Types:
Churches, Colonial architecture

Relative price: Free

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Bolivia

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Traveler from Ecuador on Mar 01, 2009