Holy Spirit Basilica (La Grita)
The Holy Spirit Basilica ( Spanish Basílica del Espíratu Santo ) is a Roman Catholic pilgrimage church in the Andean town of La Grita in the Venezuelan state of Táchira . The church of the diocese of San Cristóbal de Venezuela was completed in 1911 and has the title of a minor basilica . In it the image of Christ by La Grita is venerated.
history
The church stands in the central Plaza Bolivar de La Grita and goes back to previous buildings from around 1600. The first significant church was completed in 1697. Only a simple church could be built after the earthquake of 1812, which was demolished in the 1880s. After construction began in 1886, today's church was opened in 1911. The church tower and atrium followed until 1915. The church clock was donated by José María García in 1937. In 1959 the church was extensively restored and upgraded. The church was declared a national historical heritage in 1960. The church consecration by Bishop Alejandro Fernández Feo-Tinoco took place in 1963. Pope Paul VI. raised the church to the rank of minor basilica in 1976.
architecture
The classical facade has three entrance doors. The facade was given a triangular pediment by Álvaro Fonseca and Jeremias González with the symbol of the Holy Spirit , supported by four round columns. To the left of the entrance is the square bell tower , built under Acacio Cacón. Behind the portal, the three-aisled church opens on a rectangular floor plan, divided by twenty columns. On the left is the chapel of Christ by Raúl Mendéz Moncada for the image of Christ dating from the 17th century. In this semicircular extension with ten Doric columns, the crucifix hangs under a wooden canopy. A marble dome was built over the altar area , the altar was also made of marble. The structure was built with concrete and bricks. The windows are decorated with stained glass from 1949, the doors are decorated with wood carvings and the floor is covered with granite.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Basílica del Espíratu Santo on gcatholic.org
Coordinates: 8 ° 8 '12.4 " N , 71 ° 59' 9.9" W.