JAC
The Church, declared National Monument in 1956, is one of Caracas’ oldest temples, built on the lot assigned to the Franciscans as seen on the first map of Caracas in 1578. The church was de-signed in 1593 and erected in 1665 next to the Convent of San Francisco as part of the complex, on the block’s northeast corner. In 1745 its complete transformation was decided, eliminating the chapels surrounding the central nave. This, in addition to successive reconstructions due to earth-quakes and the intervention by architect Juan HurtadoManrique between 1887 and 1890, made it a mixture of architectural styles. The current rectangular church has three naves separated by neoclassic columns supporting low arches. The central nave houses the main altar and displays an altarpiece in honor of the Immaculate Conception; the left nave houses the Chapel of the Third Order of San Francisco and the right one, the Holy Child of Bethlehem. With neobaroque features, the main façade has three openings. Pediments, decorative moldings on the cornices, pilasters and lintels adorn it. The church exhibits baroque altarpieces by Master Domingo Gutiérrez, comparable in splendor with Mexican or Spanish ones, as well as paintings by Juan Pedro López and priceless works of colonial art. The catholic temple, dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, is also a place of worship of San Onofre. Its plans are unique sixteenth century documents.
DF-16
JAC