Basilica Parroquia La Purisima

Welcome to the Basilica Parroquia La Purísima. As you stand before this structure, you are looking at a pivotal moment in the history of Latin American architecture. …

Let us focus intently on the primary architectural feature of La Purísima: the parabolic vault. Stand back far enough to trace the line of the concrete shell from where it springs from the ground on one side, arches majestically…

Turn your attention away from the main shell and look at the tall, slender tower standing adjacent to the entrance. This is the campanile, or bell tower. …

Approach the main entrance. Here, the sheer concrete facade is interrupted by a monumental work of art that perfectly complements the modern architecture. …

Step through the doors and enter the main nave. The interior of La Purísima is a revelation. …

While the shape of La Purísima is defined by concrete, its atmosphere is defined by light. Turn your attention to the stained glass. …

Finally, walk toward the sanctuary space at the front of the nave. The treatment of the altar area in La Purísima is a masterclass in modernist restraint. …

As our tour of La Purísima comes to an end, take a moment to stand once more in the center of the nave and look up into the apex of the concrete curve. We have explored the revolutionary engineering of the parabolic shell, the…