Tuesday, June 8, 2010

A Humble Church

Costa Rica was a Spanish colony and for that reason a major part of its culture is deeply rooted in catholic rites and traditions that have been adapted to the people and their way of life. Small town are pretty typical where you have the church with a plaza in front with the local school on one side and the city hall on the other.

Santa Ana is a smaller town with a beautiful church made with stone and wood. The beauty of it is that it's very simple, unpretentious and with a strong colonial feeling. The whole structure is made with limestone and the roof is supported by wood posts and beams.


View of the main altar with the rose window

The temple was built between 1870 and 1880 and has undergone several changes most of them due to much needed repairs to damages caused by several earthquakes. Through the years priests and community leaders have contributed to the many improvement made to the church and decorative elements found in it.

Christ used during the Holy Week Procession


Main altar
 Main altar with Santa Ana or Saint Anne in the background


View of the Church from the main altar

Details of the floor that dates back to the late 1800's

No matter what religion you profess it is amazing what the human spirit can accomplish and the history that is engraved in each every place of worship.

Have a great day!

12 comments:

  1. Although, I don't go to church on Sundays, I still love visiting churches when I travel. There's something quiet and beautiful about them.

    xo

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  2. I love your love for this church. It's true that church's don't need to be elaborate. Where you worship is where you are.

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  3. I think you can feel the peace. I love churches where you can step in and feel the grace. This strikes me as such a place. Beautiful - thank you for sharing this.

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  4. Gorgeous church, and lovely photos!

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  5. Oh what a lovely Church that is! I could sit in it all day and just 'think'. How lucky for you to be in Costa Rica! Have fun! -Kristen

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  6. I love seeing churches like this! It is fascinating to see all the details.

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  7. That church is beautiful!! Thanks for posting :)

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  8. What a cool church!! I really love the architecture of old churches. And as for your newer post titled "walking in the garden"...those are some BEAUTIFUL flowers, especially the orange ones :)

    ps. thanks so much for visiting my blog and for your kind comment ♥♥♥

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  9. This church is beautiful. I love all of the wood beams and that roof. I'm so jealous you're in Costa Rica -- it looks amazing!

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