Old Cathedral of Cuenca, Colonial church building in Cuenca, Ecuador.
The Old Cathedral of Cuenca is a colonial-era church building with three naves, stone walls, and multiple altars. A central tower dominates the structure and stands prominently in the city center.
Construction of the Sagrario Church began in 1557, using stone from the ruins of Tomebamba for its foundations and walls. In 1787 the bishopric was established in Cuenca and the church became a cathedral. After the New Cathedral was consecrated, it stopped holding regular services, and a restoration begun in 1999 turned it into the Museum of Religious Art.
The Museum of Religious Art holds sculptures by Miguel Vélez and Gaspar Sangurima and paintings by Daniel Alvarado and Nicólas Henríquez. The church keeps a bellows organ installed in 1739 at the rear of the building, once used to accompany the choirs and now out of service. Since its 1999 renovation it also hosts concerts and cultural events.
The building now functions as a Museum of Religious Art with guided tours explaining the architectural elements. Visitors should allow time to explore the interior and appreciate the artworks and details.
A plate on the 1868 tower references the Egyptian pyramids due to the building's role in geodetic measurements. The French Geodesic Mission of 1736 used this location as a reference point for precise scientific surveys.
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