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South America » Ecuador
Santa Barbara, El Carmen Alto and El Beaterio Quito Churches - Monday, March 31, 2008
Santa BárbaraThis Quito's church is from the XVI century (1550). It has been modified by the architect Juan Pablo Sanz in the XIX century, in the parish of Santa Bárbara, created during the Colony. It has built for the exclusive use for the Spanish and the Creole of the Quito city. At first, it was the Augustinian and Jesuits residence.
This Quito's church has only got one nave and a big dome. The base for its construction is a Greek cross. We can underline some neoclassic elements in the front door, and gothic elements in its altar.
In the outside part we can find one of the stoned cross that justified the second name for the García Moreno Street: the street of the seven crosses. In one of its corners there is a beautiful fountain.
Capilla del Beaterio
Fray Gaspar Lozano erected this Quito's church. He came from Cuenca. He founded the house named beaterio, in the XVIII century. It was a place for devout people who were working in some projects around Quito. There have also been Augustine and Carmelite nuns. Then, during the Republic time, President Rocafuerte made from this Quito's church the first school for the Christian brothers. Making the first institute for primary men’s teaching, which functioned like that until the liberal revolution began in 1895. Eloy Alfaro took the building and founded the first men’s school, called Mejía. This institute functioned for about 4 decades. Then, it was used for the first girl’s school, nowadays, Colegio Simon Bolívar.
The historical chapel was a part of the auditorium. There are some manuscripts photographed and some placards which explain the work done by the Brother Miguel for the education. The Brother Miguel was the second man canonized by the Vatican.
El Carmen Alto
In was called the Antique Carmen of San Jose. The construction began after Saint Mariana de Jesus’ death. It was built in the same place where her house were. It belonged then to the Carmelite.
These religious women were dedicated to contemplation, to making and selling wine, honey and other products. They were known for their monastery life. A life for penitence, including their bodies’ flagellation.
The Jesuit Brother Marcos Guerra directed the construction in the XVII century. He also contributed for the Compania’s construction. This one-naved-church, with groin vault and pilasters, forms an ensemble with one monastery, which counts with lost of yards together, which are in unevenness. To the ensembles belongs a cloister, too. This cloister has got a parametric gallery and bows in both floors. There also are golden retables made in wood with mirrors and sculptures.
So, this Quito's church is a significant piece of art with important paintings, such as La dominacion de la Virgen, a real size sculpture made by Carlos. We can also fin works from Deigo de Robles, Bernardo de Legarda and others.
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- Created:
- Monday, March 31, 2008 at 2:17 PM