The Saint John the Baptist Cathedral in San Juan is the oldest church in Puerto Rico and the second oldest in all of the American continent. It was built in 1521 and its first bishop was Alonso Manso, who designated the Cathedral’s site and design. The original structure was built with wood with a straw ceiling. Continue reading “Saint John the Baptist Cathedral in San Juan”
Facing the “Plaza de España” in Écija, stands the Saint Francis Church. Originally of a Gothic Moorish architecture which due to the constant renovations one can barely see. Continue reading “Saint Francis Church in Écija”
The Church and Cathedral of “Santa María La Real de la Almudena” is located in the Historic center of Madrid and it is the main quarters for the Archdiocese of Madrid. Therein, the image of ” Santa María de la Almudena”, the Patron of the city is revered. Continue reading “Church and Cathedral of “Santa María La Real de la Almudena””
The Holy Church and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Incarnation of Granada is considered as one of the greatest works of the Spanish Renaissance. It was the first of its kind in Spain and the second largest Cathedral of Granada. Continue reading “Holy Church and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Incarnation of Granada”
The Holy Ghost (or Spirit) Church in Ronda was ordered built by the Catholic Kings over the existing Mosque in the “Arrabal Alto” sector. It was consecrated in devotion to the “Sancti Spiritus” in commemoration of the day on which the city was recovered. The works must have been done in the late XV and early XVI centuries, built in stone. The structure presents a uniform construction which pertains to a hybrid of the Gothic and Renaissance, typical of the period. Continue reading “The Holy Ghost Church of Ronda”
The Church or Chapel of the Monastery of Saint John of the Kings in Toledo, consist of a sole nave covered by a rib vault, A star shaped dome houses the high altar, Elevated choir and lateral chapels between the buttress. Highly noticeable if the abundant decorations over the transept and main altar. With regards to the main altar piece, the original one disappeared during the Napoleon War. The current piece dated to the last century came from the Holy Cross Hospital of Toledo, founded by Pedro González de Mendoza, Cardinal of of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. Continue reading “Chapel of the Monastery of Saint John of the Kings”
The Cathedral of Seville is one in a handful of structures that has an ample amount of Stained Glass Windows. It houses a total of 81 stained glass windows with the oldest dating back to the XIII century. As a result, the stained glass windows of themselves constitute a museum within the Cathedral given their dimensions, architectural organization and the large amount of windows. The stained glass windows of the Cathedral of Seville were created mostly by foreign artist, with contributions from the main European Stained Glass centers. Continue reading “Cathedral of Seville – Stained Glass Windows”
The Church of Saint John the Baptist in Écija, of the Province of Seville is the canonical seat of the Saint John’s Brotherhood, which on the morn of Good Friday hold their rites of penance. This is one of the city’s oldest religious building with reference to its existence dating back to the XVI century. During restoration works performed in the main patio, the remains of an ancient (roman) temple were found. Continue reading “Saint John the Baptist Church in Écija, Seville”
On the Plaza of the Capuchin Monks in Cordoba, Spain and nearby to the ” Cristo de los Faroles” landmark we encountered the main quarters to Brotherhood of Our Lady of Sorrows (“Hermandad de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores”). Continue reading “Brotherhood of Our Lady of Sorrows”
This is a view of the Saint Mary Magdalene of Pazzi Cemetery in Old San Juan in Puerto Rico from one of the port holes of the “San Felipe del Morro” fort walls. This cemetery which dates back to colonial Spain was constructed in 1863. This is the final resting place for many prominent Puerto Ricans.