I found the difference between the two religiously-significant buildings, Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral and the Benedictine Monastery, very interesting due to the fact that their styles and messages have such a stark contrast to each other. While they are relatively close in location, each in Santiago, they do not connect in any sense. The Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral boasts a large, grand facade in the bustling Plaza de Armas. The cathedral, which was rebuilt many times due to earthquakes, finally settled on a Neoclassical style. The three naves are huge and the crypt was slightly bigger and more well-lit than I was expecting it to be. The crypt did a nice job slowing down the distractions and overwhelming qualities of the large and highly-ornamented interior of the church. The simple and plain materials allowed all of the focus to draw on the hierarchy of the crypt— Jesus. The Cathedral, overall seemed to restrict the natural light, allowing it to come in from the stained glass windows and an oculus. It is such a large space that it makes you forget where you are. The multiple chapels provide various sacred areas along with the crypt.
The largest nave in the Cathedral leading to the main alter.
The simpler and calmer crypt within the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral.
The exterior of the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral, with its context being located in Plaza de Armas.
This newer, simpler, more-modern Benedictine Monastery has a very different first impression than the Cathedral. The location, for one thing, provides a clue on what the intended effect of the building is. The Monastery is tucked away in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. It gives an amazing view of the surrounding mountains and towns below. It is not trying to fight for attention, as opposed to the Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral, which is competing with three other pieces of architecture around Plaza de Armas. The simple white exterior was beautiful against the blue sky, making any colors pop even more. The Monastery, while situated to admire the amazing view, does not have any windows to directly highlight the beauty. Instead, windows are tucked into the sides of the walls, at different angles, so they cannot be seen unless you’re looking for them. However, the building incorporates natural light in many ways: above and behind the alter, above the entrance, and behind the statue of Mary and Jesus. I found this use of light incredible since we went to the Monastery in the morning, which highlighted all the amazing features of the Monastery. The inside also was not ornamented like the Cathedral, which allowed you to focus on the statues, crosses, beautiful wood benches, and the glowing yellow light coming from within the chapel.
The exterior of the Monastery, along with a sketch I did, capturing the mountains in the distance.
The natural light streaming in above the alter at the Monastery.
Another example of the natural light highlighting a statue of significance— Mary and baby Jesus.
The glowing yellow light from within the chapel, shown from the main space of the congregation.
Personally, I found the slowed down pace and simple beauty of the Monastery more appealing because it allowed you to let go of any distractions or stress. The location and being able to see many mountains was quite amazing. The morning light also was a beautiful quality in and out of the space, shining over the white interior and exterior, showing the Monastery’s amazing qualities.
It is interesting to compare the religious spaces we’ve visited because they vary so vastly. I also think it is interesting to compare them to traditional religious spaces in the US. I would say compared to the cathedrals I have been in in other places the Santiago Metropolital Cathedral has a similar design and style. When you walk in you immediately know it is a very formal and traditional church setting. The simple crypt contrasts the very formal design of the church and provides a unique moment within the church.
The cathedral at the university is another religious building that is very different from the metropolitan cathedral but still has moments of similarity with churches in the us. That being said it also has elements such as the curved roof, the openings removed from a curved wall, and the exterior raised podium for services outside the building.
Then Cerro San Cristobal offers a space that is unique to Santiago given it’s view of the city and the way different elements of it are arranged throughout the top of the hill. This area is still a religious space but it’s outdoor location and appeal to tourists gives it a much more casual feeling. The chapel is smaller and more intimate, without the frills of the previous spaces. There are also a variety of smaller religious spaces laid out across the mountain that allow visitors to have more private spaces hidden away in the landscape. There are also a few places where people are buried that are more private to give families a space to pay their respects.
Then there is the Benedictine Monastery. I agree that this space was the more appealing to me personally. This space is tucked into a beautiful landscape with a design that seems simple at first that is laced with quietly complex details. The natural lighting is an especially important part of the environment that this building is able to create by adding to the calming atmosphere. The design and strategic use of lighting and lighter materials creates a calm space that encourages reflection. This space and the atmosphere it creates is one of a kind.
I absolutely agree with this comparison. It was interesting to go to so many cathedrals and churches and see just how different they are. I was kind of taken aback when we arrived at Plaza de Armas and saw the craziness of the area in comparison to the location, I wouldn’t think such a highly religious place would be somewhere like that. I think this is a good example of the options that people have to worship. Some may feel more inclined and closer to their religion in a busy, community-filled area, while others may want to have a more peaceful and personal prayer in the mountains. I think the variety that Chileans have when it comes to worship is unique and an example others should use.