Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of St Mary of the Incarnation (Primatial Cathedral of the Americas)
Dominican Republic·Santo Domingo·Archdiocese of Santo Domingo
The Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of St Mary of the Incarnation, also known as the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, is the oldest existing cathedral in the Americas. Commissioned by Pope Julius II in 1504 and completed in 1550, it serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Santo Domingo, who holds the honorary title of Primate of the Indies.
Key Facts
- ›Construction began in 1504 and was completed in 1550.
- ›It is the oldest cathedral in the Americas and the second oldest constructed after the Garðar Cathedral in Greenland.
- ›In 1546, Pope Paul III elevated it to the rank of Metropolitan Cathedral and Primate of America.
- ›The architecture is primarily Gothic, with a notable Plateresque main door.
- ›It houses a treasury with an art collection including woodcarvings, furnishings, and jewelry.
- ›The remains of Christopher Columbus were temporarily housed here.
Gothic, Gothic-Plateresque
Saint Mary of the Incarnation
Painting of Our Lady of La Antigua, Mausoleums of Colonial Archbishops, Tombstone of SimóN BolíVar
Alonso De RodríGuez, Luis De Moya, Rodrigo De Liendo, Alonso GonzáLez
About Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of St Mary of the Incarnation (Primatial Cathedral of the Americas)
The Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of St Mary of the Incarnation, also known by several other names including the Cathedral of Santo Domingo and the Minor Basilica of Santa María de la Encarnación, holds the distinction of being the oldest existing cathedral in the Americas. Its construction was initiated in 1504 by order of Pope Julius II, with the building largely completed by 1550. The cathedral serves as the principal church for the Archdiocese of Santo Domingo and is the seat of its Archbishop, who bears the honorary title of Primate of the Indies, acknowledging its status as the first diocese and oldest cathedral in the New World.
History and Significance
The cornerstone of the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of St Mary of the Incarnation was laid in 1504, marking the beginning of a new era of religious architecture in the Americas. The initial plans were drawn by architect Alonso de Rodríguez, with work later continuing under new designs by Luis de Moya and Rodrigo de Liendo. The church was consecrated on August 31, 1541. Its significance was further cemented in 1546 when Pope Paul III, at the request of King Charles V, elevated it to the rank of Metropolitan Cathedral and Primate of America. The building has faced various historical events, including being used as headquarters by Sir Francis Drake during his 1586 invasion. Over time, the cathedral expanded from its initial design, incorporating chapels and decorative elements.
Architecture and Features
The cathedral's architecture is predominantly Gothic, a notable example of this style outside of Europe, characterized by ribbed vaults, solid walls, and three distinct doors. The main entrance, however, is a blend of Gothic and Plateresque styles. The golden-tinted coral limestone façade is a striking feature. Inside, the cathedral houses a significant treasury that includes an excellent art collection, featuring ancient woodcarvings, furnishings, funerary monuments, silver, and jewelry. Notable artistic pieces include a panel of the Virgin of la Altagracia dated 1523 and an archiepiscopal throne in the Plateresque style from 1540. The building's dimensions are substantial, with a length of 54 meters and a width of 23 meters across its three naves, reaching a height of 16 meters to the vault, with a total built area exceeding 3,000 square meters. The cathedral also features fourteen side chapels, built throughout its history, with chapels dedicated to figures like Alonso de Suazo and Rodrigo Bastídas being particularly noteworthy. The remains of Christopher Columbus were also temporarily housed within the cathedral before their final transfer.
Notable Burials
Several prominent figures are interred within the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of St Mary of the Incarnation. These include Buenaventura Báez, Ramón Báez, Fernando Arturo de Meriño, and Juan Isidro Jimenes Pereyra, all of whom served as presidents of the Dominican Republic. The crypts of the archbishops also reside within the cathedral.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of St Mary of the Incarnation built?
Construction of the cathedral began in 1504 and was completed in 1550. It was consecrated on August 31, 1541.
What is the significance of this cathedral?
It is the oldest existing cathedral in the Americas and serves as the cathedral for the Archbishop of Santo Domingo, who is the Primate of the Indies due to it being the first diocese and oldest cathedral established in the New World.
What architectural style is the cathedral?
The cathedral is characterized by a Gothic style, featuring ribbed vaults and solid walls. The main door exhibits a Gothic-Plateresque style.
Does it hold any important relics or tombs?
The cathedral contains the mausoleums of colonial archbishops and the tombstone of Simón Bolívar. The remains of Christopher Columbus were also housed here for a time.
Has the cathedral been officially recognized by the Pope?
Yes, in 1546 Pope Paul III elevated it to the rank of Metropolitan Cathedral and Primate of America. Later, in 1920, Pope Benedict XV elevated it to a 'Minor Basilica of the Virgin of the Annunciation'.
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