CATEDRAL DE LA INMACULADA CONCEPCIÓN

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, known as the Cathedral of Cuenca, is considered one of the most beautiful cathedrals in South America. It was designed in the 19th century by a German friar named John Stiehle. Its construction started in 1855 and lasted no less than 120 years. This imposing building, which combines several architectural styles - Romanesque, Renaissance and Gothic (but the Romanesque style predominates) - can be seen from afar thanks to its three blue domes. It is one of the biggest architectural attractions in the country, along with the Basilica del Cisne in the province of Loja and the Basilica del Voto Nacional in Quito. The interior leaves no one indifferent. The side naves are dominated by the stained glass windows designed by the Basque artist Guillermo Larazabal. In the centre, the great baldachin in baroque style and the salomonic columns are very similar to the baldachin of the Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican in Rome. Some of the illustrious figures of the city of Cuenca are buried in the Crypt: Remigio Crespo Toral and the builder of the cathedral: Luis Antonio Chicaiza for example. The facade, particularly remarkable, is set with a central door and sculpted by Daniel Elias Palacio. The floor is made of Carrara marble. The cathedral, however, was never quite finished: due to a miscalculation, the bells, too heavy for the structure, could not be placed in the bell tower!