Carmen Alto:
This church was built starting in the 1500s and then sections were rebuilt over the years because of repeated earthquake damage. In addition to being used as a church, it was also used as a military installation, a prison, and as governmental offices.
Santo Domingo de Guzman:
This church fascinated the kids with its gilded baroque interior. There were no interior lights and the windows faced south, east and west, allowing the sunlight to reflect on the golden surfaces and illuminate the church. For a time, this church served as a horse barn for the military and much of the interior was destroyed as a result.
Catedral (Cathedral):
This was the largest of the churches we saw and had numerous side chapels along the wings. In the chapel closest to the front, the kids listed to a service taking place. Of the churches we saw, this was the only one with a large pipe organ.
When churches were built, they were often destroyed during construction by earthquakes. As a result, the friars would rebuild, each time making the walls thicker and the foundations deeper. Santo Domingo has a foundation 8 meters deep and 4 meters wide at the base. As a result, they look rather massive and the more delicate features (when viewed from the exterior) are near the top.
Historically, the church supported the conquistadores (colonial rulers). With President Benito Juarez, the first and only indigenous president who held office in the mid 1800's, the church was significantly disempowered and many churches and convents were closed. The military and publically elected officials became more powerful, and therefore Benito Juarez is seen as the president who brought the power to the people.
In recent years, restoration of some churches and monasteries has begun. Mexico continues to be a very religiously observant country. Church doors are open all the time and people come and go for prayer continuously.
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