Cathedral of Mérida, a Hispanic heritage
Its official name is Cathedral Basilica Menor de la Inmaculada Concepción, it is located in the central part of the city of Mérida, in the Venezuelan Andes region, like all churches it has its parish house which in this case is the Archbishop's Palace. in turn it contains the Archdiocesan Museum, its entire infrastructure is a historical building built in 1803 and maintains the same design as the Toledo Cathedral in Spain, it is our Hispanic heritage and no one can take it away.
The Cathedral of Mérida is a very important place for all Meridans, since it is the state cathedral and where the most important celebrations of the faith take place throughout the year, but it is also the place where all sectors of the city meet. society to celebrate their special day, where the University of the Andes meet for their graduations or ceremonies and where the state government meets, and other organizations around the Christian faith, it is definitely a gift to come and know and enjoy of the beautiful immaculate conception basilica of Mérida.
It is a beautiful work by Manuel Mujica Millán that was restored more or less 10 years ago as it showed a notable deterioration, especially on the outside, in his paintings called frescoes.
It has three large main doors, two lateral and one central; made of various metals that are distinguished from each other, with religious symbols such as alpha and omega representing God.
Inside, in the lateral parts it contains many religious pieces such as paintings and figures; every devout person goes and lights a candle to his saint of choice; in the central part are the chairs and at the top you can see its imposing and majestic domes.
You can also appreciate its windows or stained glass windows with religious motifs, when you enter it makes you look up and in all directions.
It has a large column and robust arches prevailing in all its architecture that have withstood the seismic movements of several earthquakes and the continuous discharge movements that this mountainous region suffers due to being in several faults.
Its Gothic style has always caught my attention, that small gargoyles on its side reflects a mysticism that fills us with admiration, producing the sensation of being in front of a divine work; I think about its construction, which required many years of costly efforts, large amounts of stone and various materials, without underestimating the enormous man-hours that were used for its construction, giving life to the best symphony of textures, light and color that fills of fascination the cathedral of Mérida.
Upon entering you can breathe an air of peace and tranquility, the cathedral has in its custody the remains of San Clemente that were donated by Pope John Paul II who named it as the Minor Basilica; Inside, in its main nave we find the image of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception made of wood that is the patron saint of Mérida; It is a cathedral that is worth visiting for its majesty, as well as its historical and religious wealth.