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Church · Ambato, Tungurahua
Cathedral of the Elevation
Modern cathedral of Ambato, inaugurated in 1954 facing Juan Montalvo Park, on the site of the church destroyed by the 1949 earthquake. It has been a minor basilica since 1961 and is the seat of the diocese.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cathedral of the Elevation
Ambato’s cathedral, officially the Basilica Cathedral of Our Lady of the Elevation, stands between Bolívar and Montalvo streets, facing Juan Montalvo Park in the city center.
On the same site there was a chapel from 1698 and later the old main church, destroyed along with much of the city by the August 5, 1949 earthquake. The current temple, designed by Sicilian architect Antonino Russo, was inaugurated on December 12, 1954, and received the title of minor basilica in 1961.
The modern construction, with straight lines, contrasts with the colonial churches of other Andean cities. Inside, the stained-glass windows and the dome are notable, and the altar table was made with stone and marble recovered from the old church.
It is the seat of the diocese of Ambato and one of the symbols of the city’s reconstruction. It is a few steps from the Casa de Montalvo and the Museo de Arte de la Casa de la Cultura.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 20 minutes.
Best time
During the day, outside Mass hours, to see the stained-glass windows in natural light.
How to get there
It stands facing Juan Montalvo Park in central Ambato, within walking distance from any point in the center.
Tip
Note the altar table, made with stones from the church destroyed in 1949.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cathedral of the Elevation
Why is Ambato cathedral modern?
The old church was destroyed by the 1949 earthquake. The current one was inaugurated in 1954 on the same site.
Who designed the cathedral?
The Sicilian architect Antonino Russo.
Is the cathedral a basilica?
Yes. It has the title of minor basilica since 1961 and is the seat of the Diocese of Ambato.