Three Historic Churches Lit Up for Semana Santa -- See Them Through April 5

Cuenca's Churches Are Glowing

If you've walked through Centro Historico after dark this week, you've probably already noticed: some of Cuenca's most iconic buildings are lit up in spectacular fashion for Semana Santa. And if you haven't seen them yet, you have through Saturday, April 5 to catch the displays.

What's Illuminated

Four landmark buildings in the historic center have been fitted with artistic lighting installations:

• Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (the New Cathedral) -- Cuenca's most recognizable building, its blue domes and ornate facade look absolutely stunning under the lighting treatment
• Church of El Sagrario (the Old Cathedral) -- the original cathedral on the east side of Parque Calderon, one of the oldest colonial structures in Cuenca
• Church of San Alfonso -- the striking Gothic Revival church with its twin towers, located a few blocks south of Parque Calderon
• Municipal Palace (Palacio Municipal) -- the seat of city government, adjacent to Parque Calderon

Together, these four buildings form a walking route through the heart of Cuenca's UNESCO World Heritage historic center.

The Details

About Fundacion Iluminar

The illuminations are organized by Fundacion Iluminar, which has been behind several light-based cultural events in Cuenca. Their work goes beyond just putting some floodlights on a building -- the lighting is designed as an artistic installation that highlights architectural details and creates visual effects that you don't see during the day.

What This Means for Expats

• This is free, beautiful, and easy. Just walk through Centro after 7:00 PM any evening through April 5. No tickets, no reservations, no crowds (well, some crowds, but nothing unmanageable)
• Best viewed on foot. Start at Parque Calderon to see the Cathedral and El Sagrario, then walk a few blocks south to San Alfonso. The Municipal Palace is right on the park. The whole circuit takes about 30-40 minutes at a leisurely pace
• Evening temperatures in April are pleasant but can get cool after 9:00 PM. A light jacket or sweater is enough
• Combine with the Good Friday Via Crucis. If you're out for the 7:00 PM Via Crucis procession on Friday, the church illuminations will be on simultaneously. It's a powerful combination -- the procession winding past illuminated churches
• Great photo opportunity. The lighting makes for dramatic photography, especially the Cathedral domes against the night sky. Bring your phone or camera -- you won't need a tripod; the lighting is bright enough for handheld shots
• Friday and Saturday evenings will be the busiest (Good Friday and Holy Saturday), so if you want a quieter experience, go tonight (Wednesday) or Thursday
• The restaurants along Parque Calderon and the surrounding streets are a natural pairing. Have dinner, then walk the illumination circuit for a lovely Semana Santa evening

This is one of those simple pleasures that makes living in Cuenca's historic center special. Buildings you walk past every day, transformed by light into something extraordinary. Don't miss it.

Source: El Mercurio