Church of the Shrine Iglesia del Sagrario (in Spanish) | |
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Location | |
Location | Cuenca, Ecuador |
Geographic coordinates | 2°53′52″S 79°00′14″W / 2.897837°S 79.00385°W |
Architecture | |
Type | Basilica |
Style | Baroque |
Groundbreaking | 1567[1] |
Completed | 1791 |
Part of | Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca |
Criteria | Cultural: (ii)(iv)(v) |
Reference | 863 |
Inscription | 1999 (23rd Session) |
The Sagrario Church (Shrine Church) - also known as the Old Cathedral of Cuenca is a temple whose construction began in the mid-16th century, and was considered the main Spanish place of worship during the time of Spanish colonization in Cuenca (Ecuador). Today it functions as the Museum of Religious Art, known for its wide variety of altars and the history it offers. It is located in the center of the city of Cuenca, and one of its most emblematic museums, which is located in Parque Calderón, in front of the New Cathedral.
It is part of the Historic Center, the same one that was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, making it one of the most emblematic places in Cuenca as it is the only church that has a bellows organ, which is It is located inside at the back of the building. It was used as a musical accompaniment to the choirs. However, it is now out of service.