CHURCH OF THE FRANCISCAN RECOLETA – Architecture

The current Church of Recoleta Franciscana is the result of the last remodeling that was carried out in 1868, which went on to re-design the façade, interior columns and creation of the central tower. It is believed that these works had the active participation of the architect Fermín Vivaceta.

The building was constructed in the neoclassical style with Tuscan elements. Its façade has also been built in this style. It is rectangular with three divisions corresponding to the three interior naves, each one with a door that finishes off in semicircular arches with on-sight voussoirs being the main nave the largest. Pedestal pilasters of an Ionic style accompany the decoration. It finishes in a triangular pediment decorated in its central part with motifs referring to vegetation and religious symbols. The façade is crowned with a molding frieze on both sides with wind volutes and pedestals holding decorative goblets.

The tower, covered in wood, has an octagonal formation in an Eastern style and is divided into four parts: the lower part with a window finished off in a semicircular arch; the next section shares the sides of the octagonal clocks and windows with wood shutters. It is finished off in a molding that holds the following section, an octagonal dome. The final section of the tower is also crowned by an octagonal lantern.

The interior of the Church is structured in a Basilica-type floor layout with three naves. The main one is la highest and is finished off in a reduced cannon vault. The lateral sides are made with a post and dintel construction. The naves are separated by Corinthian style columns, made in wood covered in plaster supporting the semicircular arches and vault. The lateral naves also have a separation through semicircular arches. The lateral brick walls have gabled windows in front of each dividing arch, where the devotional altars are located.