La
Paz Cathedral
Our Lady de La Paz Cathedral was constructed during
the mid 19th century, after Friar Juan Francisco Escalante y Moreno,
a native of Sonora, came to La Paz in 1854, with three other
priests, including one Don Mario Carlon that would become the parish
priest of La Paz. Within two years, Escalante would become the first
bishop of La Paz, and the two men began a great project, which was
the construction of the Cathedral of Nuestra Senora de la Paz.
Needing money to begin the construction, Escalante visited Sonora in
1859 trying to raise funds among his old friends there and ended up
taking two years; but in 1861, he would lay the first stone. Today,
the majestic cathedral rises up in the heart of the city,
reminiscent of the old California missions, with the main door
capped with a round arch that is framed by Doric columns that
support the cornice that has an oval oculus above that. Flanking the
oculus are two windows that shine light onto the choir and the
extremes, with thin bell towers. The elements help to break up the
simplicity of the rose colored stone used for the facade, with
statues of the Sacred Heart, Our Lady of Peace and an oil painting
of the Virgin of Guadalupe showcasing the interior.
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