Welcome to Catedral Nuestra Señora del Rosario – Barahona, the oldest and most important Catholic church in the Dominican Republic! This majestic and ancient cathedral of Barahona dates back to 1606, and has since been a popular destination for pilgrims and travelers alike. Situated in the beautiful city of Barahona, Catedral Nuestra Señora del Rosario is an impressive place to explore, with its architecture and artwork providing a glimpse into the history and importance of the church. In this blog, we will explore interesting facts, information and a travel guide to Catedral Nuestra Señora del Rosario – Barahona. So, come along and join us in exploring this magnificent landmark and uncovering the secrets of Barahona!
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1. The first construction of the current Catedral Nuestra Señora del Rosario began in 1580, although it was later destroyed by an earthquake in 1624.
2. After the 1624 earthquake, the church was rebuilt in 1634 by the order of Fray Diego de Olivares.
3. The bell tower of the Catedral was built in 1719 and it is almost 70 feet (21m) high.
4. On December 3, 1992, the church was declared a National Historic Monument by the Dominican Republic.
5. The Catedral Nuestra Señora del Rosario was decorated with a beautiful and magnificent wooden door, which was built in 1747 by master craftsman Abdón Aldana.
6. The Catedral’s two main columns are decorated with the sculptures of Our Lady of the Rosary, by the Dominican sculptor Luis Desangles.
7. Inside the church there are also several paintings and sculptures, such as a representation of Jesus with the crown of thorns, by artist Emilio Blanco.
8. In 2012, the Catedral Nuestra Señora del Rosario was renovated during the Jubilee Year of Mercy.
9. The crypts of the Catedral contain the remains of the first priest of the church and the family of the municipality’s mayor.
10. During Easter and Christmas, the Catedral Nuestra Señora del Rosario is the site of various celebrations and traditions, such as processions, choirs, and solemn masses.
Catedral Nuestra Señora del Rosario, or The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Barahona, Dominican Republic. It is the seat of the Diocese of Barahona, and is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary.
The current building was completed in 1969, replacing a previous structure that had succumbed to disrepair. The new cathedral was built in the neo-Baroque style, and features domed towers flanking the main entrance. Inside, the sanctuary is decorated in rich hues of red and gold.
The cathedral is an important part of the local community, serving as the site of large religious gatherings and special events. It was consecrated in 1976 during a ceremony which included representatives of the Catholic Church from around the world.
The cathedral also serves as a memorial to the sailors who died during an incident which occurred in Barahona in 1978. On 7 February, the Panamanian freighter, the Torm Elisabeth, ran aground in Gulf of Barahona. Before rescue efforts could be made, the vessel deployed its lifeboats and most of the crew drowned. A memorial plaque was installed in the cathedral garden, and an annual service is held in their honor.
Barahona is a popular tourist spot in the Dominican Republic, home to the beautiful Catedral Nuestra Señora del Rosario. This cathedral is a stunning work of religious architecture that dates back to the 16th century and displays a unique baroque style. The structure stands on the highest hill in town and provides some unforgettable views of the surrounding area. Although this cathedral has retained its original structure, the inside has been modernized and enlightened. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about visiting this amazing Cathedral in Barahona.
GETTING THERE
The best way to get to Catedral Nuestra Señora del Rosario is by car. Although the city of Barahona does offer public transportation, it’s far more convenient to rent a car or take a taxi to get there. Many visitors opt to take a guided tour of the cathedral as well, so be sure to check out what’s available before you go.
WHAT TO SEE
Once you get to the cathedral, you’ll find a stunning structure. The building features a baroque-style façade that is decorated in intricate stonework and reliefs of various religious figures. The interior of the cathedral has been modernized and held frequent masses, but visitors can still explore the architecturally interesting nave and the various chapels. The capilla mayor, or main chapel, is stunningly decorated with the archbishop’s chair as the focal point.
BEFORE YOU GO
Before you leave for Barahona to visit the Catedral Nuestra Señora del Rosario, be sure to check for any applicable opening times and entrance fees. In general, it’s free to enter but you may find charges for certain services. Remember to bring a camera and a light sweater or jacket if you are visiting during the cooler months. Finally, visitors should always dress conservatively and respectfully while in any religious institution.
Q: What is the history of Catedral Nuestra Señora del Rosario – Barahona?
A: Catedral Nuestra Señora del Rosario in Barahona dates back to the 19th century. It was built following a request from Colonel Domingo Espaillat for a place of worship for the faithful. The original design by architect José Enrique de Ángel and was completed in 1867. The walls were constructed of stone brought from Europe and the roof of tiles were shipped from Barcelona. The cathedral has undergone several renovations over the years and continues to be an important religious and cultural icon in the region.
Q: How large is Catedral Nuestra Señora del Rosario – Barahona?
A: Catedral Nuestra Señora del Rosario is approximately 30 m wide and 50 m long, making it the largest in all of the Caribbean. The building contains the central nave (main aisle), two lateral aisles, two sanctuaries and seven chapels. It is decorated with a combination of colorful Mexican tiles and French stained glass windows imported from Europe.
Q: What activities are available at Catedral Nuestra Señora del Rosario – Barahona?
A: In addition to its religious functions, Catedral Nuestra Señora del Rosario also acts as a cultural center. Visitors can view various exhibits on Dominican culture and take part in religious services which include Mass, baptismal rites, weddings and other special events.
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