City - Antigua State - SACATEPEQUES Country - United States
About
The Mercedaries were the first ones to found a convent specifically for men in the city of Santiago of Guatemala. Its first construction built in Almolonga (today known as San Miguel Escobar) still remained partially but had to be evacuated when the second capital was destroyed, and they didn't had any property where to move, in the new city (Antigua). But soon, they got the support of Bishop Francisco Marroquín and through him; the City Council provided them some properties in the north side of the city. During the next two centuries, the Mercedaries, tried to build a temple but the constant earthquakes made their work even harder. The cross made of stone, placed in front of its cloister is the oldest piece of all, found at La Merced's church (XVII century). In 1749, the architect Juan de Dios Estrada built its luxurious cloister and sanctuary, which both still can be seen. In 1751, Estrada built a new but smaller sanctuary, including anti schism architectural techniques; preventing this way, the risk of other earthquakes. Its arches and columns with reinforcements against earthquakes, larger and wider walls, and a huge main entrance door provided to this colossal building a very solid construction. It was opened in 1767, with all the formal events of the time. This church is still a functioning building for services.
Nice picture and an interesting story. Looks like the sun is very bright but still you can see detail on the shaded wall. Your point of view makes the cross look gigantic. It all worked out very well.
7++++++++++++++++, wowww, amiga, excelente fotografia, composicion, colores, luces, arquitectura, etc, etc, felicitaciones. PS: etc, etc, es lo mejor que tiene esta maravilla.
Excellent shot of the church Alison. The yellow and white colors with blue sky are performing a great composition indeed. I have enjoyed reading your information a lot. Cheers my friend.
Great shot of La Merced, Alison! I found out it's not easy to get a shot of this church that includes the entire façade, but where you can still see all the detail in the columns! I like the way you offset the cross so that the doorway and the central statue of the virgin can be seen.
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{K:25603} 9/1/2004
