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Basilica of Our Lady of the Elevation

Ecuador·Ambato·Ambato

The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Elevation, also known as Ambato Cathedral, is a significant religious building in Ambato, Ecuador. It holds the distinction of being a Minor Basilica, a status granted in April 1961. The current structure, inaugurated in 1954, replaced earlier buildings destroyed by earthquakes, with its history tracing back to a chapel built in 1698.

Key Facts

  • The building is also known as Ambato Cathedral.
  • It was elevated to the status of Minor Basilica in April 1961.
  • The current temple was inaugurated in 1954.
  • The original chapel on the site was built in 1698 and destroyed by an earthquake in 1797.
  • The church serves as the seat of the Diocese of Ambato, established in 1948.
  • It is located in front of Juan Montalvo Park in Ambato, Ecuador.
Basilica of Our Lady of the Elevation
Canonical Name
Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Elevation
Construction Start Year
1698
Designation Year
1961
Patron Saint

Our Lady of the Elevation

Century Built
17th century
Status
active

About Basilica of Our Lady of the Elevation

Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Elevation

The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Elevation, commonly referred to as Ambato Cathedral, is a prominent Catholic religious edifice situated in the city of Ambato, the capital of Tungurahua province in Ecuador. Located at the intersection of Bolivar and Montalvo streets, directly facing Juan Montalvo Park, this basilica holds significant religious and historical importance for the region.

History and Designation

The origins of the basilica trace back to 1698 with the construction of an original chapel. This initial structure was tragically destroyed by the great earthquake of 1797. The current temple, which stands today, was inaugurated in 1954. Its construction was necessitated after a previous building on the site was affected by an earthquake in 1949. A notable distinction for the basilica is its elevation to the status of a Minor Basilica, a title officially bestowed in April 1961.

Religious Significance

The basilica follows the Roman or Latin rite and serves as the principal seat of the Diocese of Ambato. This diocese was established by Pope Pius XII in 1948 through the papal bull "Quae ad maius." The pastoral leadership of the church has been under Bishop Jorge Giovanny Pazmiño Abril since 2015.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Elevation?

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Elevation, also known as Ambato Cathedral, is a Catholic church located in Ambato, Ecuador. It serves as the seat for the Diocese of Ambato and is a Minor Basilica.

When was the Basilica of Our Lady of the Elevation designated a Minor Basilica?

The religious building was granted the distinction of Minor Basilica in April 1961.

What is the history of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Elevation?

The history of the basilica dates back to 1698 when an original chapel was constructed. This chapel was later destroyed by the earthquake of 1797. The current temple was inaugurated in 1954, replacing a structure damaged by an earthquake in 1949.

What is the architectural style of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Elevation?

The article mentions the church follows the Roman or Latin rite, but does not specify its architectural style.

When was the Diocese of Ambato established?

The Diocese of Ambato was created in 1948 by Pope Pius XII.