Architectural Jewels of Maracay: San José Cathedral

Hello everyone! I am delighted to be back in this community to share the architectural wonders of my beloved hometown, of which I am immensely proud. Today I present to you the beautiful Cathedral of San José.

In the heart of the city's central area, the Cathedral of Maracay rises majestically in homage to Saint Joseph. This impressive structure dates back to the 18th century and was built on land generously donated by the Marquis Mijares. It is not only a religious treasure, but also an architectural landmark of this region.

The cathedral exhibits a baroque style that is evident in its main façade, with its curved lines and a grandeur typical of this architectural style. Its main entrance consists of three imposing wooden doors that give access to the three naves of the church, and it also has a side entrance. The symmetry of the building is complemented by intricate ornamental details, such as sculptures, reliefs and moldings, as well as a stained glass window that sheds light and two windows for ventilation. From the outside, the main altar is covered by a dome in the shape of a half orange, and in its interior there are four windows that illuminate the sacred space.

The interior of the cathedral is truly majestic, with its three naves, although originally only one was built, the pillars were designed to house the three naves that we admire today. These pillars divide the naves with semicircular arches, and the high ceiling provides a sense of spaciousness. The church also has five side chapels on the right side, which are beautifully adorned with life-size religious figures.

Something that captured my attention was the wooden roof of the church, since, despite having visited it on numerous occasions, I had always mistakenly believed that it had been modified. However, it remains in wood, true to its original design, with shingles covering the exterior. In the right nave, right next to the presbytery, you can see six graves where some of the bishops who have served in the diocese of Maracay rest. In addition, at the entrance of the church, there is an upper level that was originally intended for the choir and is made of wood.

The cathedral has a bell tower that is still in use and I have had the opportunity to hear its chimes on special occasions for the city. There is a curious detail in the clock, as the number 4 is represented in Roman numerals as 4 bars (IIII) instead of the traditional IV. For a long time, I thought this was a mistake, until I read an article explaining that, in the early days of the Roman language, this is how this number was written.

A fascinating curiosity is that right in front of the cathedral, in the Girardot square, is a small sculpture of the church, created by a local sculptor whose name I don't know. It is a beautiful way to pay homage to this architectural jewel of our garden city.