Colonial Cathedral in Oaxaca
by Mark Tisdale
Title
Colonial Cathedral in Oaxaca
Artist
Mark Tisdale
Medium
Photograph - Photo
Description
I had such a short time in Oaxaca that I didn't spend much of my time indoors. When my time in a place is limited an the light is nice, you'll typically find me out taking photos of the architecture and street scenes. I love getting the feel for the public spaces outdoors. So, I can only speak for the exterior of the colonial cathedral in Oaxaca, but it was definitely impressive!
I read that construction of the cathedral began way back in 1535, but because of a litany of reasons, it wasn't consecrated for close to 200 years! And it's been damaged and rebuilt since. This part of Mexico is prone to earthquakes and there have been wars and civil wars here which accounts for much of that time lost.
Those earthquakes also explain the particularly robust style of baroque architecture. Not only were the bell towers damaged int the past, they've been built extra thick to shore up that beautifully elaborate baroque decoration in the stonework over the main entrance. It definitely gives the colonial churches of Oaxaca their own trademark style of architecture, sometimes referred to as Earthquake Baroque.
Whatever the case, I couldn't imagine a better day to see and photograph the architecture of Oaxaca. Gorgeous skies and great light! And the city center fit the bill of interesting. There's such a rich supply of colonial architecture in Oaxaca that it's a UNESCO recognized World Heritage Site. I want to go back now, but for the moment the photos will have to serve as a reminder why!
Uploaded
April 12th, 2013
Statistics
Viewed 432 Times - Last Visitor from Syosset, NY on 03/27/2024 at 10:40 AM
Embed
Share
Sales Sheet