Saturday, June 4, 2016


León Cathedral


Built between 1747 and the early 19th century to the design of Guatemalan architect Diego José de Porres Esquivel, the monument expresses the transition from Baroque to Neoclassical architecture and its style can be considered to be eclectic. The Cathedral is characterized by the sobriety of its interior decoration and the abundance of natural light. The vault of the Sanctuary, however, presents rich ornamentation. The Cathedral houses important works of art including a wooden Flemish altarpiece, and paintings of the 14 stations of the Way of the Cross by Nicaraguan artist Antonio Sarria (late 19th and early 20th centuries).

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1236



The León Cathedral is a regional interpretation of different church building traditions. The use of capitals and pediments hints to Greek and Roman influences. At the same time, the monument reflects the transition from Baroque towards new architectural and artistic expressions typical of the 19th century.

It is the largest Cathedral in Central America and, since 1531, one of the oldest dioceses in the Americas. 

The León Cathedral was built between 1747 and 1814 in the regional Antigüeño Baroque style (originating in Antigua Guatemala). Because of the strength of its walls, it has survived earthquakes, volcanic eruptions of the Cerro Negro and wars. 

http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/site.php?id=1236

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