Cathedral of La Plata, Gothic Revival cathedral in La Plata, Argentina.
The Cathedral of La Plata is a red brick structure built in the Gothic Revival manner, standing at the heart of the city opposite Plaza Moreno and the City Hall. Its twin towers rise over 110 meters (about 360 feet), dominating the flat skyline around the square.
Construction started in 1884 following plans by engineer Pedro Benoit, but lack of funds and problems with the foundation slowed progress. The official opening took place only in 1932, nearly half a century after the first stone was laid.
The lower church, the Parish of Our Lady of Sorrows, has its entrance on 53rd Street between 14th and 15th, while the cathedral proper occupies the upper level. The four confessionals were carved in Slavonian oak by José Shenke, and the Tyrolean sculptor Leo Moroder made the wood carvings. In the crypt lie the tomb of Dardo Rocha, founder of the city, and his wife Paula Arana.
The cathedral museum occupies the basement, entered below the main staircase, and an elevator there takes guided groups up for a panoramic view of the city and the building's details. Ascents run Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30, roughly every 30 to 45 minutes; on weekdays the tour stops at two levels, on weekends it reaches 63 meters. Arrive early on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, as the number of places per ascent is limited.
The carillon in the towers has 25 bells, installed during the completion works of the late 1990s. The same campaign added six turrets, 200 pinnacles and 800 needles, and replaced the iron cross of the main body. The brick exterior was deliberately left undressed, recalling the Brick Gothic of northern Europe.
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