Shrine Basilica of the Holy Chapel
The Basilica of Santa Capilla is a Roman Catholic basilica located in the historic center of Caracas, Venezuela. Commissioned by President Antonio Guzman Blanco in 1883 and inspired by the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, it replaced an older hermitage. The basilica was designated a Minor Basilica by Pope Pius XI in 1926 and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
Key Facts
- ›Construction was ordered by President Antonio Guzman Blanco in 1883.
- ›The basilica's design was influenced by the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris.
- ›It replaced an older hermitage that was originally erected in 1568.
- ›The church has been rebuilt and expanded multiple times due to earthquake damage and growth.
- ›It was designated a Minor Basilica by Pope Pius XI on August 5, 1926.
- ›Declared a National Historic Landmark on February 16, 1979.
Roman Catholic
Saint Maurice
Juan Hurtado Manrique
About Shrine Basilica of the Holy Chapel
Basilica of Santa Capilla
The Basilica of Santa Capilla (Spanish: Basílica Menor Santa Capilla) is a significant Roman Catholic basilica situated in the historic center of Caracas, Venezuela. Its construction was commissioned in 1883 by President Antonio Guzman Blanco, with architect Juan Hurtado Manrique drawing inspiration from the renowned Sainte-Chapelle in Paris.
History and Construction
The current church replaced an older hermitage of San Sebastián, which was originally erected in 1568. This earlier structure was dedicated to Saint Maurice in 1640 but suffered destruction by an earthquake in 1667, leading to its rebuilding with simpler materials. Another severe earthquake in 1812 almost completely destroyed the church, necessitating further reconstruction. An expansion in 1921 added two aisles to the existing structure.
Designation and Recognition
On August 5, 1926, the Basilica of Santa Capilla was officially designated a Minor Basilica by Pope Pius XI. The basilica holds historical importance and was declared a National Historic Landmark on February 16, 1979. Some individuals are interred within the basilica.
Location
The basilica is located at the corner of Santa Capilla on Avenida Urdaneta, within the Cathedral Parish of the Libertador Municipality in Caracas.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Basilica of Santa Capilla located?
The Basilica of Santa Capilla is located in Caracas, Venezuela, at the corner of Santa Capilla on Avenida Urdaneta, within the historic center of the city.
When was the Basilica of Santa Capilla built?
Construction was ordered in 1883 by President Antonio Guzman Blanco. The current structure replaced an older hermitage that had existed since 1568 and underwent significant rebuilding and expansion.
What is the architectural inspiration for the Basilica of Santa Capilla?
The basilica was designed by architect Juan Hurtado Manrique with reference to the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris.
What is the religious significance of the Basilica of Santa Capilla?
It is a Roman Catholic basilica and was designated a Minor Basilica by Pope Pius XI on August 5, 1926. It also serves as a burial place for some individuals.
Has the basilica suffered damage?
Yes, the church has been affected by earthquakes. An earthquake in 1667 destroyed a previous iteration, and another in 1812 nearly completely destroyed the church, necessitating reconstruction.
Related Basilicas
Basilica of St Teresa
The Basilica of St. Teresa is a significant Catholic church located in Caracas, Venezuela, notable for being a primary center for the veneration of the image of the Nazarene during Holy Week. Originally commissioned by President Antonio Guzmán Blanco, its construction began in 1877 and was completed in 1881, serving as a monumental church in honor of his wife, Ana Teresa.
Basilica of Our Lady of the Valley
The Basilica of Our Lady of El Valle, also known as Basílica Menor Nuestra Señora de El Valle, is a Gothic Revival basilica situated in El Valle del Espíritu Santo, Margarita Island, Venezuela. It is dedicated to the Virgen del Valle, the patron saint of the town and the Venezuelan Navy, and serves as a significant religious site with annual festivities honoring the Virgin.
Basilica of St Lucy
The Basilica of St. Lucy, also known as the Basilica of Timotes or Santa Lucia Minor Basilica, is a significant Catholic religious building located in Timotes, Mérida State, Venezuela. It holds the status of both a National Sanctuary and a Minor Basilica, having received the latter distinction in 2002 under Pope John Paul II.