This church was granted national monument status by the government in 1938 and is truly a national treasure. Alongside Plaza Simón Bolívar, the church opened its doors to the public in 1782 after nearly nine years of construction. It’s a fine example of the baroque style, with lots of intricately carved wood depicting cherubs, saints, Jesus and the Virgin.
Almost everything is original, and some objects even predate the structure itself. The 12m arch in front of the altar, for example, bears its date of manufacture (1733) and the names of its two creators.The altar is made of mahogany and rosewood and is covered nearly from base to top in gold leaf. In a glass sepulcher in front of the altar is a life-size wooden statue of Christ that is carried through the streets of Villa de Los Santos on Good Friday, behind a candlelit procession.
