Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude

Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad

Facade of the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad

Basic information
Location Oaxaca de Juárez
Affiliation Roman Catholic
Rite Latin Rite
Province Archdiocese of Antequera, Oaxaca
Year consecrated 1690
Ecclesiastical or organizational status Basilica
Architectural description
Architect(s) Fernando Méndez
Architectural type Latin Cross
Architectural style Baroque
Direction of façade ENE
Groundbreaking 1682
Completed 1690
Specifications
Materials cantera

The Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude (Spanish: Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad) is a Roman Catholic Basilica located in Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca, Mexico. It was built between 1682 and 1690, and is a sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, patron saint of Oaxaca.[1] The architecture style is Baroque[2], and was intentionally built with low spires and towers, as to better resist earthquakes. The Basilica de la Soledad is part of the Historic Center of Oaxaca City, which was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987.[3]

Contents

History

The construction of the Basilica began in 1682 and in 1690 was consecrated by Bishop Sariñana y Cuenca. It was designed by Father Fernando Méndez and the current facade was built between 1717 and 1718, with the assistance of Bishop Angel Maldonado.[4]

Description

The Basilica of La Soledad is laid out in the shape of a Latin cross. The building was constructed from green cantera, a stone common in parts of Oaxaca. The west gallery contains a baroque pipe organ dated 1686, restored to playing condition in 2000.[5]

See also

References