The white tower
At the centre.
Flickr user Jesús David Ríos — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Rube96pinto — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Rodolfo pimentel — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Rodolfo pimentel — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Male3285 — CC BY-SA 3.0
Barquisimeto Cathedral is a striking modern church in the centre of the city of Barquisimeto. From outside it looks like an upside-down flower, with two curving wings of glass and concrete and a tall white tower rising in the middle, and inside a see-through lattice roof lets the light pour in. It was designed by the architect Jan Bergkamp as his first major project. Building began in 1953 and it was completed in 1968, and it is counted among the most modern and original cathedrals in Latin America. Its form is a hyperbolic paraboloid, and its roof is made of clear panels held by a web of steel wires. A church had stood on the site since 1636, brought down by the earthquakes of 1812 and 1950. You walk around the building to see its shape, then go in to see the clear roof and the light inside. Every 14 January the procession of the Divina Pastora statue arrives here. The cathedral is in central Barquisimeto. It is a place of worship, so dress modestly, keep quiet and do not wander during Mass. The UK advises against all but essential travel to Venezuela, so check current advice before you go.
At the centre.
Lattice and light.
Curving.
Avenida Venezuela between Avenida Simón Rodríguez and Calle 30, Barquisimeto, Lara State
Modest clothes covering shoulders and knees.
Outside Mass times.