📝 Cronología histórica de la Catedral de Arequipa

Historical Timeline of the Cathedral of Arequipa

Foundation and Early Developments

• On August 15, 1540, Arequipa was founded by García Manuel de Carvajal as "Villahermosa de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción del Valle de Arequipa." Father Rodrigo Bravo became the first parish priest.

• The founder planted a cross where the main temple would be built. Initially, this parish belonged to the Cusco bishopric and was dedicated to San Pedro.

• A contract was signed on February 14, 1544, with architect Pedro Godínez for constructing the main church. Miguel Cornejo oversaw construction starting in September 1544.

Establishment of Diocese

• In 1576, King Felipe II requested Pope Gregory XIII to establish the Diocese of Arequipa under the Virgin of Assumption's patronage.

• The papal bull "apostólatus officio" was issued on April 16, 1577, creating the diocese and appointing Fray Antonio de Hervías as its first bishop. However, opposition arose from Bishop Sebastián del Artaúd.

Reconstruction Efforts

• After a devastating earthquake on January 22, 1582 destroyed the church, reconstruction efforts began in 1590 led by Gaspar Báez with new designs featuring arches and brick vaults.

• Another earthquake in 1604 further damaged structures. By July 20, 1609, Pope Paul V officially separated Arequipa from Cusco's diocese.

First Cathedral Construction

• Fray Pedro de Perea became the first bishop of Arequipa and initiated plans for building a cathedral after it transitioned from being merely a major church.

• The initial boundaries of the new diocese included various regions surrounding Arequipa.

Architectural Progression

• Construction began under Don Andrés de Espinoza in January 1621; initially featuring one tower facing Calle Mercaderes.

• Following Espinoza's death in 1628, architect Juan Santiago de Moscoso continued work until completion in 1656 under Bishop Fray Gaspar de Villarroel.

Natural Disasters Impacting Structure

• A significant earthquake on October 20, 1687 caused structural damage leading to immediate reconstruction efforts.

• A catastrophic fire on December 1, 1844 destroyed many parts of the cathedral including artworks and structural elements.

Restoration and Enhancements

• Reconstruction commenced on December 15 under Bishop José Sebastián Goyeneche y Barreda after extensive fire damage; Lucas Poblet oversaw technical direction.

• By mid-century (1850), enhancements included commissioning jewelry for adornment and installing significant features like an organ made in Belgium.

Continued Challenges

• On August 13, 1868 another violent earthquake struck causing further destruction to towers and facades; restoration efforts were again initiated thanks to local support.

History of the Cathedral in Arequipa

Early Developments and Donations

• The lack of funds during the Pacific War in 1979 led to significant contributions, including a pulpit made by Rigo's bicing store in Libya, France. This was installed thanks to Peruvian ambassador Juan Mariano de Goyeneche.

• The pulpit was donated to the church by Javier Lizárraga with support from Álvarez in 1897, marking an important moment for community involvement in church affairs.

Architectural Changes and Recognition

• In 1901, the towers of the cathedral were completed with modifications that resulted in their current design.

• On September 19, 1940, Pope Pius XII elevated the cathedral to a minor basilica status during the first Eucharistic Congress held in this city.

Significant Events and Repairs

• The tympanum of the cathedral was completed around this time; however, it wasn't originally finished until later due to various circumstances.

• Following severe earthquakes in 1958 and 1960 that damaged many structures including the cathedral, repairs were undertaken to restore its integrity.

Papal Visit and Historical Congress

• In 1985, Pope John Paul II visited Arequipa specifically to crown the revered image of Virgen de Chapi and declared Sister Sor Ana de Los Ángeles Monteagudo as blessed.

• November 1990 marked Peru's first ecclesiastical history congress attended by notable religious authorities and professionals across various fields.

Natural Disasters Impacting Arequipa