- Address: Tegucigalpa, Honduras
- Year of construction: 1579
- Architect: Juan Nepomuseno Cacho
- Architectural style: Baroque
One of the most beautiful places in the capital of Honduras , the city of Tegucigalpa , is the Los Dolores Church. The cathedral is also known as Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Los Dolores (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores).
Prolonged construction
The church of Los Dolores is considered to be one of the oldest preserved in the territory of the country. The first cathedral was erected in 1579 by monks and was a small modest monastery. Much later, in 1732, the shrine was reconstructed. The initiator of the construction was the priest Juan Francisco Marques-Nota. The project of the new church building was designed by the famous architect Juan Nepomuseno Cacho. After half a century a parish church was organized, called Santa Maria de los Dolores, however, construction work lasted more than 80 years, and the opening of the temple took place only on March 17, 1815.
Cathedral outside and inside
The church of Los Dolores is built in the best traditions of the American Baroque and has two belfries, covered with a huge dome. The upper part of the central facade is decorated with three circles, each of which has a symbolic pattern. Inside the central circle is carved the Sacred Heart of Jesus. On the right and left of it are depicted nails, stairs, spears and whips, reminiscent of the crucifixion and death of Christ. Roman columns, entwined with grapevines, separate the circles from each other.
The second level of the cathedral is remembered by a beautiful stained-glass window and sculptures of saints. The two-leafed gate, decorated on both sides with sculptural leaves, symbolizes the third level of the temple. Once inside the Church of Los Dolores, we can see the ancient frescoes and paintings typical of the Baroque style.
City's legends
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Los Dolores is one of the most visited cathedrals of Tegucigalpa. Believers are attracted by the interesting history of the temple and its extraordinary beauty. In addition, the Church of Los Dolores is shrouded in legends, according to which in its secret passages are stored untold treasures, and there are unknown to ordinary people the way leading to other holy places of the capital.
How to get there?
The church of Los Dolores is located near the central city park. While in the center of the capital, hike along Maksimo Hersay avenue to the intersection with Calle Buenos Aire street. Then head up the street, which will lead to the sights .
If you are staying in remote areas of Tegucigalpa , then use public transport. The nearest Calle Salvador Mendieta stop is a 15-minute walk away, and buses come from all over the city.
Like other cathedrals of the city, the Church of Los Dolores is open to believers around the clock. If you want to visit one of the church services or to examine the interior of the temple, then study the schedule of the ministries and choose the optimal time. Do not forget about the appropriate form of clothing and generally accepted rules of conduct in a sacred place.