Catedral de Riobamba

Catedral de Riobamba by Julia Hanley

Riobamba's original cathedral was destroyed in an earthquake that leveled the majority of the city in 1797. Elements of the baroque-style façade were rescued and reused in the reconstruction of the current edifice, which was finished in 1837. By 1967 the building had fallen into disrepair, andfaculty from La Universidad Central de Quito agreed to help with reconstruction efforts. The building's limestone façade todayis a striking mix of religious and pastoral scenes done in bas-relief. Inside, you'll find amural of 1980 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Adolfo Pérez Esquivel. Also noteworthy is a mural on the nave of Christ with indigenous features, painted by artist Oswaldo Viteri. The Chapel of Santa Barbara is located to oneside of the cathedral.

Location:
On Calle 5 de Junio between Calles Orozco and Veloz
Riobamba, Ecuador

Historical Building

Travel Skills: None

By Rachael Hanley

A sometime newspaper journalist with a heavy side of wanderlust, Rachael moved to Quito in November to work on the V!VA staff. She is currently...

Created: 09 Dec 2008

Updated: 28 Aug 2009

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