The Church of Santo Toribio is a parish of colonial origin located in the historic center of Cartagena de Indias, close to the Plaza Fernandez in Madrid.
History of the Church of Santo Toribio
The church of Santo Toribio is considered the last church built during the colonial era in Cartagena, its construction beginning in 1666 in dedication to Santo Tomas de Villanueva, bishop of the city being Antonio Sanz Lozano and governor Benito de Figueroa y Barrantes.
The work was paralyzed at the foundations until the bishop Don Gregorio de Molledo y Clarque finds the foundations and resumes its construction from these, this time in dedication to Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo (The cult of Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo in Cartagena has been documented since 1580, when on his way to Lima, he stopped at the heroic one.), the church was consecrated on October 7, 1736.
(Also know the history of the Church of San Pedro Claver “The Slave of slaves”)
During the colonial era the temple had beautiful ancient images that were partly lost over time, but relics and religious art from the time are still preserved, considered unique in Colombia and America; Among the relics that it still preserves is the main altarpiece, the only baroque religious piece in Cartagena.
By the year 1772 it was one of the three temples of Cartagena and although it is considered the smallest of the churches that make up the historic center of the city, it was highly appreciated by the Cartagena aristocracy of the time.
In 2016, during restoration work, the discovery and subsequent recovery of a mural painting on the main arch that represents one of the lamentations of the Book of Jeremiah was achieved. In the temples of the time, according to experts, it was very unusual to represent Mount Calvary. ; In the mural you can see a royal figure with an ermine cape, kneeling, bowing his head before the cross supported by angels and a male figure ascending the ladder.
The parish has Cordoba influence under the choir, which also happens with the alfarje (carved wooden ceiling) and the Almizate (flat and central part of the coffered ceilings) of the main altar.
Also notable are the holy water fonts and the sink made of alabaster and in the Sevillian Renaissance style. Likewise, the doors stand out, which are a beautiful work of Cartagena craftsmanship.
The baroque style main altar was restored at the end of the 19th century and regilded in 1953 by the master Emiliano Luque García.
(Also learn about the history of the Cartagena Cathedral, one of the oldest in America)
Unfortunately, it has not been possible to establish who was the architect of the temple, and the creators of the lacework of the coffered ceiling and the entablature of the choir, the mural painting, its images and liturgical objects.
April 27, 1741 (Day of Santo Toribio de Mogrovejo) during the Admiral Vernon's attack on Cartagena A cannonball fell in the middle of the church while a mass was being celebrated. The bullet did not cause damage to the temple or injuries to the faithful, so it was considered a divine work. For this reason, the bullet is preserved as a reminder of that miraculous act. , on one of the walls of the temple is protected in a glass urn.
In 1995, the Santo Toribio parish was declared a national monument along with other buildings in Cartagena.
Where is the church of Santo Toribio located?
The church is located at Calle 38 # 6-107, Cll Sargento Mayor San Diego, in the historic center of Cartagena, near Plaza Fernández Madrid.
The Church of Santo Toribio is one of the most charming churches in Cartagena, it is often used to celebrate weddings of celebrities and Colombian high society; among the celebrities who have celebrated their marriage there are Juan Pablo Montoya and the Sylvester Dangond Singer.
The history, the unique art and the wonderful stories that have occurred around this temple make it an essential place to visit during your stay in the city of Cartagena.
Opening hours and contact information
Monday to Friday: 8:00 am -12:00 pm, 02:00 pm – 06:00 pm
Saturday: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 pm
Sundays and holidays: 8:00 am – 10:00 am and 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Telephone: (5) 6645347
Mail: [email protected]
Facebook Fan Page: facebook.com/psantotoribio
