For some people, the main attraction of Aguascalientes is the bullfight Fiesta Brava at the Monumental Plaza de Toros. For other people, it is the national holiday La Feria Nacional de San Marcos. But nobody ever misses a sunset overlooking the beautiful church of St. Anthony of Padua. It is located in the historic center of the city.
The architectural masterpiece was made by the local self-taught architect José Refugio Reyes Rivas. He was an author of the best buildings in this city. The construction lasted for more than 20 years and was completed in 1908. Initially, it was the propriety of the monastic order of St. Francis, later – of the Benedictines. But now, it is governed by the Order of St. Augustine. Even the history of the temple reflects its main feature – a mixture of styles. So, it suits any order.
The symbol of the Latin American eclecticism is built of local yellow limestone. It has 3 round towers. The entire structure is made in the shape of an elongated cross completing a huge glass dome over the main bell tower. The dome has the Russian Baroque style, unusual for the Western architecture of the late 19th century. It is decorated with a large filigree cross.
Owing to the magnificent mix of an architectural styles’ number, this religious monument of the 19th century has required a reputation of the most beautiful building in the city. Gothic, Classicism, Baroque, Islamic and Russian styles, Moorish and even Arabic motifs ... Its interior is no less magnificent. It is decorated with majestic bas-reliefs and paintings by Candelario Rivas. They describe scenes from the life of the saint. The central place in the cathedral belongs to one of the largest organs in Mexico. The best musicians of the country come to the monastery to touch it at least once.