The Cathedral in La Plata

Thursday, June 20th we went to La Plata to see the Cathedral and the Natural Science Museum.  Took so many pictures that I am dividing it into two posts.  This one is the Cathedral, next one the museum.

So I was playing around with this panorama program I have that melds several photos into one.  It also can give a slightly warped effect, so it's not perfect.  But it does give you an idea of the expanse of this building!

This doesn't show you how deep this building really is, but it does show the height. Unfortunately it also warped the towers.  The really are straight!

 This is the Plaque out front that gives the details.

Same here on warp factor but you can see the details of the facade of the Cathedral.

Details:  This is the Bas Relief above the right door. It appears to be Christ's body being taken down from the cross.

  This is the Rose Window in the middle of the facade.

Inside view of the Rose Window

 This is a carving on one of the main front doors.

One of many gargoyles.  This was as close a shot as I could get that was still in focus.  "Gargoyle"refers to the fact that there is a groove along the spine of the beast with an exit hole in it's mouth.  The rainwater pours out it's gullet (guelle or goyle in French) Thus Gargoyle.

          

Stations of the Cross. Carved in Wood.

Yes I really was there.  Hermana Alexis Mayo in the Nave of the Cathedral

The baptristry and Stain glass window

The choir and seating for the priests

The Choir

The main altar and choir of the Cathedral

Stained glass window

The Virgen of Lujan

The picture above and the window below tell the story of Sister Maria Ludovica  1880-1962) from Italy who came as a Missionary to Argentina in 1907 to work in the La Plata Children's Hospital. She ran the hospital as administrator and acted as a spokesperson for the needs of children and their families. She also cared for children abandoned by their parents. The Hospital has carried her name since her death.  In 2004 she was beatified by the hands of Pope John Paul II.   Her remains have laid in the Platense Cathedral since November 6, 2004 where they are venerated by all.

Waiting outside to regroup and head to the Museum.

Notice that there is a door to the right and down from the stairs.  That s the restaurant, gift shop and bathrooms.