Queretaro Church we almost missed

[asirimarco]

On our last day in Queretaro we went into the old area again and came across this church. There was a parking place right in front so we had to stop and go in.
It is Santa Rosa de Viterbo - a Catholic church - the presend day building was begun 1727 work was finished in 1752 - imagine building this then.
This view is from across the street - the fountains change shapes to music A lot of families were in the plaza just enjoying the day

The flying buttresses

Just one of the outside walls

In one of the rooms inside there are life sized figures of Jesus and his twelve apostles - the lighting was bad so the pictures aren't that good, but enough to give you an idea -

another view

The altarpieces are carved wood covered with gold leaf. All the figures in the altar pieces are life sized. What looks like cloth is actually painted wood - just a few pictures.

A close up of one of the carvings

Just one area - The paintings are from the 1770s


Just amazing - every where I looked something different

Can see in this one how thick the walls are

When we went back outside the sun was just setting and shining on the buttresses

What looks like block work is actually paint - it is faux painting at its best

One of the guide books I picked up said "the nave of this church might be described as an opera carved in wood and covered in gold."
It just takes your breath away - especially thinking about when it was done.
After leaving the church we went to the main plaza and watched Folkloric dancing then went to an outdoor cafe and had dinner while listening to a singer. After we just walked around and watched the families in the plazas. From tiny babies to very old grandparents. Then back to the main plaza where there was ball room dancing going on. Again young to old couples dancing. Never saw any problems or anyone with an alcholic drink. (except in the restaurants.) Everyone was dressed up. No shorts or tank tops.
The whole historic downtown area is wonderful on Saturday and Sunday nights. Besides the restaurants there were food carts set up everywhere. Hot dogs, tacos, pastries, candied apples, a deep fried dough with fruit in it and powdered sugar on top and cotton candy in all colors. Every time you turned around there was some one with some kind of musical instrument playing.
I will miss that. More to come about Queretaro when I get a chance.
Looking forward to seeing Beth, Sparkle, Karen and Carol tomorrow.......

[Carolinagal]

What a fantastic find!!!!! Its absolutely beautiful!!!!. The older the church the better they're built and the work involved is outstanding. Its still beautiful after all of these years. and I'm sure with care will stand for hundreds of more years. The churchs all had the best of craftsman I'm sure. Men who took great pride in all that they did, and it still shows today, what tedious work some of it was. Wow !!!

Thanks so much Carol for all the pictures you took to show us this beautiful place. Think we're all sorry you are back in the states, what a trip we have had, thanks to you.
I enjoyed it so much. Have fun in Texas, think you're joining a great group, Enjoy.

Safe travels,
Carol

[Redetotry]

So glad you didn't miss the church! I'm amazed at it all but particularly how the clothing on the images looked like real cloth. It is just so hard to imagine the time and work that went into the building of such a magnificent place.
Thank you so much. Safe journey home and have fun in TX with the group.

[sharon]

Awesome, just awesome. Can't think of another word...majestic? Amazing? I envy you seeing these things.

[Excel]

I've seen some beautiful churches especially those in Germany...However, your pictures are so beautiful, and show so much detail, that I envy your ability to capture the workmanship so clearly. Many of the pictures I took while visiting the churches in Europe came out too dark & I was very disappointed.
I think you have a gift & I don't mean what kind of camera you're using, but a genuine talent and an eye for getting just the right shot...so that those of us looking at your photos feel like we're there....I can't put into words how moving some of your pictures are...and as I am Catholic, the church scenes are just stunning in their elegance. Thank you so very much for sharing & please continue to do so, for those of us that will never or probably never be able to view the places you've been in person. What a journey you've taken us on !!!!! Thank you !
BTW...have you ever thought of publishing a book with your travel photos....It would have to be a best seller !!

[BirdbyBird]

Thank you for taking us with you......

[Nasoosie]

I can't recall ever seeing a finer work of art than that church. The Romans and Greeks were always my favorite builders of temples and such, but that place may supercede them. Thank you so much----I am contemplating trying to put all your narratives and pictures together to form a "Visit to Mexico" book for future reference for me. As I, and others, have said before, you are missing your calling with your talents in photography and narrating your trips if you don't put together a book.