Centro Histórico De Puerto Plata , Puerto Plata Province, Dominican Republic — Caribbean Region of the Americas (Hispaniola, Greater Antilles, West Indies)
Catedral San Felipe Apóstol
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Cathedral of Saint Philip the Apostle
Photographed by James Hulse, February 9, 2025
1. Catedral San Felipe Apóstol / Cathedral of Saint Philip the Apostle Marker
Su establecimiento como iglesia católica y centro de cristianización, data de 1502, con la fundación de la ciudad de Puerto Plata por Nicolás de Ovando.
La edificación en madera y zinc existente a mediados del siglo XIX fue destruida cuando en 1863 la ciudad de Puerto Plata fue abrazada por un gran incendio provocado intencionalmente por los restauradores (Incendio Patriótico), Bajo el liderazgo del presbítero Pedro Tomás de Menán se inició en 1870 la construcción del nuevo templo, que se inaugura en 1879 luciendo una hermosa fachada adornada con madera y un vistoso forraje en zinc.
Reconstrucción que hoy conocemos se desarrolló entre los años 1934 y 1948 (a iniciativa del padre Rafael Conrado Castellanos y un grupo de sacerdotes claretianos), siendo una joya arquitectónica con gran influencia del movimiento Art Deco, erigida completamente en concreto armado.
Este imponente templo San Felipe Apóstol, fue elevado a Catedral el 16 de diciembre de 1996 por el Papa Juan Pablo II, mediante la Bula.
Its establishment as a Catholic Church is linked to the founding of the city of Puerto Plata by Nicolás de Ovando back in 1502.
The original wood and zinc construction was destroyed in 1863 when the city was intentionally set on fire (Patriotic Fire) by fighters in the war for the restoration of independence from Spain. Under the leadership of Priest Pedro Tomás de Menán the construction of the new church began in 1870. It was completed in 1879, this time with its façade decorated in wood and zinc.
The church that stands today was built from 1934 to 1948 at the initiative of Father Rafael Conrado Castellanos and a group of Claretian priests, it is regarded as an architectural gem influenced by the Art Deco movement built entirely in reinforced concrete.
Pope John Paul II elevated the impressive San Felipe Apostle church to cathedral status on the 16th of December 1996 by Papal Bull, Ad perpetuam rei memoriam.
Erected by Puerto
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1502.
Location. 19° 47.842′ N, 70° 41.625′ W. Marker is in Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata Province. It is in Centro Histórico De Puerto Plata. It is at the intersection of Calle José del Carmen Ariza and Calle Duarte, on the left when traveling south on Calle José del Carmen Ariza. The marker is located on the front entrance of the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: C José del Carmen Ariza 36, Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata Province 57000, Dominican Republic. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is one of the Greater Antilles on the Caribbean Sea, on in the Atlantic Ocean, in North America, and in the Western Hemisphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also a Spanish colony.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: General Juan Pablo Duarte y Díez (within shouting distance of this marker); Club Fe en el Porvenir / Club Faith in the Future
Photographed by James Hulse, February 9, 2025
2. Closeup of the text on the marker
Photographed by James Hulse, February 9, 2025
3. The entrance to the Cathedral of Saint Philip the Apostle and Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, February 9, 2025
4. The facade of the Cathedral of Saint Philip the Apostle
Photographed by James Hulse, February 9, 2025
5. The interior of the Cathedral of Saint Philip the Apostle
Credits. This page was last revised on November 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 13, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 251 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 16, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
