DESCRIBING PLACES /BUILDINGS

Name: Ana Acuna

Date: 16-05-2018

Basilica Cathedral of Our Lady of the Elevation

1698 1797 1954

Situated on the middle of Ecuador, in Ambato city, is the most historical church of all the times, it is
Basilica Cathedral of Our Lady of the Elevation, better known as the Cathedral. This is a good place to
visit for its history and architecture since the church was built three times, because of the earthquakes
that destroyed Ambato city.

The original chapel was built in 1698 which facade was covered with straw, with the help of the
parishioners it grew to become an important building built in dark volcanic stone with a lateral central
nave. In 1797 as a result of the earthquake the church was completely destroyed and again it was built
thanks to the work of public entities and charitable people, it was structured with stone and with a
beautiful design. But the construction was completely demolished by the earthquake of 1949, burying
hundreds of parishioners inside it at the time of the mass. The third building was inaugurated on
December 12, 1954.

The current building is monumentally larger in volume than the previous ones, it has a big tower with
a cross in the top and a big dome, the predominant colour is white inside and outside with a little of
cream colour in the pillars. Outside there are a big image of Lady of the Elevation and the windows are
stained glass with different catholic designs. There are four columns of long wooden chairs and the
floor is of tiles with a symmetrical design, in the centre is the altar on a wooden platform, behind it is
the sanctuary, the image of Christ crucified and the of Lady of the Elevation; on the left is the sacristy
and the pulpit and on the left and right side of the side chairs are the confessionals. The windows are
stained glass with the image of the apostles of Jesus, which shine and fill with splendour this
magnificent construction.

I recommend visiting this church, because it is the tallest and most representative building in the city
which constitutes an architectural symbol, where you can feel the spiritual peace and the God's love.
Moreover, you can learn about the history and principal religion of the city, hidden between the walls
of this building that combine old and new decorations with different lights which light at night.