Bariloche Cathedral
Río Negro
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Nahuel Huapi, also known as the Cathedral of Carlos de Bariloche, is the principal Catholic church in San Carlos de Bariloche, located in Patagonia, Argentina. Designed by architect Alejandro Bustillo, who offered his project free of charge, the cathedral was built between 1942 and 1944 in a neo-Gothic style with French influences. It features a Latin cross floor plan with a sober, elegant form, constructed with local white stone that evokes a sense of austere spirituality reminiscent of early Christian grottoes. The roof is made of black slate and is crowned with a 69-meter-high spire shaped like a needle. The cathedral is surrounded by beautiful gardens and plazas and lies near the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake. Its stained glass windows, installed in 1947 and designed by French artist Enrique A. Thomas, depict regional historical figures, indigenous peoples, Jesuit missionaries, and the cathedral's creators, adding a rich cultural narrative to the sacred space. The interior, while simple, is enhanced by natural light filtering through the stained glass, creating a play of light and shadow that highlights the architectural features. The cathedral serves as a spiritual and cultural landmark, reflecting the heritage and history of the Bariloche region.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to visit the cathedral during daylight hours to fully appreciate the stained glass windows and the play of natural light inside. The cathedral is generally open daily from 10:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 21:00, with Mass held at 11:00 and 20:00. It is recommended to check for special events or services in advance. Entrance is free, and donations or contributions to the maintenance of the cathedral are appreciated. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer optimal lighting for photography.
Faits intéressants
- •The cathedral's spire reaches 69 meters high and is shaped like a needle, making it a prominent feature of Bariloche's skyline.
- •The stained glass windows include depictions of notable regional figures such as Jesuit Nicolás Mascardi, General Julio Argentino Roca, and Ceferino Namuncurá.
- •The cathedral was designed by Alejandro Bustillo, who also contributed to other iconic Bariloche landmarks like the Civic Center and Hotel Llao Llao.
- •The white stone used in construction is locally sourced and creates a sense of austere spirituality reminiscent of early Christian grottoes.
- •In 2004, a replica of a Jesuit image from the first missionary settlement was installed in the cathedral's main altar, carved from ancient larch wood by Chilean sculptor Milton Muñoz.
Histoire
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Nahuel Huapi was constructed between 1942 and 1944, based on a neo-Gothic design by Alejandro Bustillo, a prominent Argentine architect who contributed the project without charge.
The land for the cathedral was secured in 1942, and construction was carried out by the Compañía General de Construcciones under engineer Pedro Faukland.
The stonework was crafted by skilled stonemasons led by José Lukman, an expert from Slovenia.
The stained glass windows were installed in 1947, designed by Enrique A.
Thomas and manufactured in France, depicting local historical and religious figures.
In 2004, a replica of a lost Jesuit image from the first missionary settlement was added to the main altar, becoming the city's patroness.
The cathedral is part of a broader urban development in Bariloche led by the Bustillo brothers, who also contributed to other significant landmarks such as the Civic Center and Hotel Llao Llao.
Guide du lieu
Main Nave and Latin Cross Layout1942-1944
The cathedral's interior follows a Latin cross floor plan, featuring sober and elegant architectural lines. The nave is illuminated by natural light filtered through the stained glass windows, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere.
Stained Glass Windows1947
Designed by French artist Enrique A. Thomas and installed in 1947, these windows depict regional historical and religious figures, indigenous peoples, and the cathedral's architects represented as archangels.
Spire and Roof1944
The cathedral's roof is covered with black slate, topped by a 69-meter-high needle-shaped spire, a distinctive feature of Bariloche's skyline.
Replica of Jesuit Image2004
Installed in 2004, this replica of a lost image from the first Jesuit missionary settlement is carved from ancient larch wood by sculptor Milton Muñoz and serves as the cathedral's patroness.
Contact
Téléphone: 0294 443-4084
