History
The construction of the cathedral was begun in 1666 by Juan de Medina, to replace a small church that was destroyed in the earthquake of 1641. Construction was completed in 1674. The facade, dating from 1771, is the work of Francisco Andrés de Meneses. After the earthquake of 1812, one of its towers was damaged and later reduced in size. A frontispiece was constructed in the facade in 1866. In 1932 and during the 1960s restoration and modifications were made throughout the building.
Read more about this topic: Caracas Cathedral
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