The impressive interiors of the Metropolitan Cathedral. Photo courtesy of Logan "Jugoso" Velasquez (flickr).
Coming from a Catholic school, my childhood was marked by pilgrimages, masses, volunteering and all kinds of church related activities; so, when I was about seven or eight years old, I joined the "Infancia Misionera," (Childhood Missionary) something similar to the Scouts, but Catholic.
The ceremony had a great turnout, it was even televised, and most importantly, it was held in a wonderful place, one of Santiago´s most beautiful treasures: La Catedral Metropolitana (The Metropolitan Cathedral).
Built in several stages, this impressive temple dates back to 1745, when they began its construction. It was not until 1800 that they added the two side towers that are now a part of its architecture.
In general, we could say that the Cathedral has a neoclassic style, consisting of a central nave and the two towers, where some of Chile´s greatest historical figures´ remains lie, and near the main entrance, is Ignacio Carrera Pinto´s heart, among others who participated in the Battle of Concepción.
As we told you in our article about Plaza de Armas, Santiago´s Metropolitan Cathedral is located on one side of the plaza, close to the beautiful Correos de Chile (Chile´s Central Post Office) building, which is also a national monument. Despite being a very solemn place, the Cathedral is always open to the public and it is not uncommon to find people of all ages sitting in the incredible carved wooden benches from the nineteenth century.
Of course, due to its age and the earth´s movement —like the 2010 earthquake in Chile— it has been restored and remodeled several times; however, its interiors remain majestic and full of detail that are worth a personal visit if in the city.
A historical place, full of secrets, sepulchers and events —such as the assassination of Father Faustino Gazziero in 2004— it is a place to take a moment from the busy downtown Santiago, religious or not, and calmly enjoy an immense work of art.
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