{"id":6969,"date":"2017-05-05T09:00:22","date_gmt":"2017-05-05T13:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=6969"},"modified":"2017-05-04T09:03:16","modified_gmt":"2017-05-04T13:03:16","slug":"loveliest-of-landmarks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=6969","title":{"rendered":"The Crown of Puerto Vallarta"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a9 2017 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved<\/i><\/i>.<\/p>\n

In many Mexican cities, you will find in the heart of that city…a square dominated by a church.<\/p>\n

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Puerto Vallarta is no different, though the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe sits on a smaller square, nestled away between many buildings. \u00a0Called “one of the most endearing” of the city’s landmarks, it’s wrought-iron crown can be spied almost anywhere throughout the city and one that I absolutely wanted to visit during my visit to this coastal Mexican city.<\/p>\n

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In 1903, there was a small chapel located in the current location, dedicated to the Virgin Guadalupe, however, foundations were beginning\u00a0to be laid for the current church. \u00a0With the arrival of Father Francisco Ayala in 1915, it was suggested that the foundations be expanded for a larger temple than had been planned.<\/p>\n

Walls and pillars were finished by 1917, however construction began in earnest in the early 1920’s. \u00a0Though construction was halted temporarily in 1926, due to the Cristero War, it was resumed in 1930 with the addition of the dome. \u00a0The entire building was completed in 1940 with the exception of the two towers. \u00a0The chancel and organ were installed in 1951 and the main tower, topped with the wrought-iron crown, finally in 1952.<\/p>\n

Although it has been speculated that the crown was designed to resemble one worn by Empress Carlota of Mexico, this has been found to be untrue. \u00a0To “crown” the Parish, the current crown was placed on the main tower in 1965 and was designed by Jos\u00e9<\/a>\u00a0Esteban Ram\u00ed<\/a>rez Guare\u00f1<\/a>o.<\/p>\n

When walking through the city, you can see how beloved this landmark is as it is depicted in photos, shirts, logos and postcards. \u00a0Many congregate near and in front of the church and you can hear the church bells rung by the sextants 30 and 15 minutes prior to each service. \u00a0If you are lucky enough to be in Puerto Vallarta during Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival (Feast of Guadalupe, December 1 through December 12), you will notice that the bell ringing and and festivities reach a frenzied level. \u00a0Processions advance through the streets, including dancing warriors, banners, music, singing and colorful floats depicting scenes of the Virgin and Juan Diego, the Indian peasant that she appeared to in 1531. \u00a0Thousands of visitors descend upon the city and the streets are lined with vendors selling food, sweets, souvenirs, toys and more.<\/p>\n

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Take the time to admire the church from the square and other vantage points, however, be sure to take a moment to attend mass or just take a look around between services. \u00a0The architecture is a mix of various styles…neoclassical, renaissance, baroque. \u00a0The interior design is a tribute to the original Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. \u00a0Particular attention should be paid the to the idolized image of Our Lady of Guadalupe and a 1945 oil replica by Guadalajaran artist Ignacio Ramirez. \u00a0Beautiful religious images are painted on wood throughout the structure, carved wooden confessionals stand proud and waiting and the elaborate marble altar are the main focus of the church.<\/p>\n

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There is much love and devotion in the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. \u00a0When visiting Puerto Vallarta, be sure to make it a priority!<\/p>\n

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.<\/p>\n

Our Lady of Guadalupe<\/strong><\/p>\n