Architecture of Colombia

Architecture of Colombia

Despite Colombia's multiple cultural heritage (European, Indian and African), its architecture is mostly the result of adapting European models to local conditions. The country's colonial buildings reflect their Spanish (and particularly Andalusian) origin, as seen in the traditional single-story houses laid around a central patio, to be found both in colonial towns such as Santafé (Bogotá), Tunja or Cartagena, or in rural haciendas throughout the country. After gaining its independence, Colombia severed its links with Spain and looked elsewhere for new models, first England, then France,[1] marking the beginning of what became known as Republican Architecture (Arquitectura republicana), an era that lasted well into the twentieth century, when the changes in architectural thinking in Europe brought Modern Architecture to the country during the last years before World War II.

Contents

Pre-Columbian period

Colonial period

Colombian architecture reflects seventeenth century Spanish colonial origins. Regional differences derive from those found in Spain. Thus, hints of Moorish and Castilian architecture are evident in many cities. Many areas have had difficulty maintaining older structures, and the climate has destroyed many Baroque buildings. The many churches that dot the landscape are among the country's architectural gems, whose interiors reflect the influence of Medieval and Renaissance churches in Spain. Newer buildings in larger cities utilize modern styles with adaptations of the Baroque style supplemented with wood and wrought-iron elements.

Republican (Republicano) Period

Painted ceiling and Murano chandelier at Teatro Colón, Bogotá. One of the finest, most lavish examples of Colombian architecture of the Republican period.

Modern architecture in Colombia

In the 1930s, Colombia began to embrace modern architecture. The new Liberal Party government tore down many older buildings to reject the conservative past. In their place, it constructed modern buildings with an international flavor.

Housing developments

Until the mid-1940s, most Colombians lived in single-family dwellings built of cinder blocks and covered with an adobe made of clay, cow manure, and hay. Uncontrolled urban growth due to massive migration from rural areas resulted in hughe informal settlements which make up the bulk of Colombia's housing problem up to the present time. Nonetheless, there have been a few notable examples of high-density housing projects (aimed, however, at the rising middle-classes) such as the Centro Antonio Nariño, which followed the principles of Le Corbusier, or the Torres del Parque by the famed architect Rogelio Salmona.

Gallery

Cathedrals

Buildings

Some of the most important buildings in Colombia are:

Historic heritage

Bogotá

Medellín

Cartagena-Santa Marta

Cúcuta-Villa del Rosario

Landmarks

Guadua architecture

Architectural styles in Colombia

Colonial architecture in Colombia

Neoclassical architecture in Colombia

Romanesque Revival architecture

Gothic Revival architecture

Neo-Mudéjar architecture

Art Deco architecture

References

  1. ^ Banco de la República. La arquitectura republicana en Cartagena. Available online at [1]. Consulted 09-11-2010

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать реферат

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Architecture of Cesar Department — The Architecture of Cesar Department refers to the architecture in the Cesar Department which still preserves much of the colonial architecture inherited by the Spanish colonization and the architecture developed by the numerous tribes of… …   Wikipedia

  • Colombia–Peru War — Colombian Army making maneuvers Date September 1, 1932 May 24, 1933 …   Wikipedia

  • Colombia Stock Exchange — Bolsa de Valores de Colombia …   Wikipedia

  • Colombia — This article is about the country. For other uses and spellings, see Colombia (disambiguation) and Colombia (disambiguation). Republic of Colombia República de Colombia (Spanish) …   Wikipedia

  • Colombia in popular culture — The depiction of Colombia in popular culture, especially the portrayal of Colombian people in film and fiction, has been asserted by Colombian organizations and government to be largely negative and has raised concerns that it reinforces, or even …   Wikipedia

  • Colombia University — Université Columbia Université Columbia Devise In lumine Tuo videbimus lumen (Par Ta lumière nous verrons la lumière) Nom original Columbia University Informations Fondation …   Wikipédia en Français

  • National University of Colombia — Universidad Nacional de Colombia Universidad Nacional de Colombia Motto Inter Aulas Academiæ Quære Verum Motto in English Among the classrooms of the Academy you look for the truth …   Wikipedia

  • Outline of Colombia — …   Wikipedia

  • Foreign relations of Colombia — Colombia This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Colombia …   Wikipedia

  • Elections in Colombia — Colombia This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Colombia …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”