Iglesia Carmelitas (Carmelite Church), Montevideo

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Iglesia Carmelitas (Carmelite Church), Montevideo

Iglesia Carmelitas (Carmelite Church), Montevideo

The Carmelite Church (Iglesia Carmelitas), also officially known as the Church of the Virgin of Mount Carmel and Saint Therese of Lisieux, stands as a notable Roman Catholic parish church nestled in the serene Prado district of Montevideo. Constructed from 1929 to 1954, the church is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture, distinctly inspired by the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Architects Guillermo Armas and Albérico Isola are credited with designing this architectural marvel.

Covering an impressive breadth of 131 feet, the church structure showcases three naves and is topped by a solitary tower that majestically punctuates the skyline. The exterior is lavishly adorned with religious statues, including prominent figures such as Saint Teresita de Jesus and Saint John of the Cross, adding depth and sanctity to its architectural splendor.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted with austerely beautiful interiors, where the sunlight dances through stunning stained glass windows, creating a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors illuminating the carvings and religious sculptures within. The church's acoustics are finely tuned, ideal for the resonant singing that occasionally fills the space.

The church, initially managed by the Carmelite Order until 1995, now falls under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Montevideo. It was declared a parish in 1962 and is dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Therese of Lisieux, the latter being a French Carmelite nun revered in modern times.

The Carmelite Church is not just a place of worship but a cultural beacon and an architectural treasure in Montevideo, meriting appreciation for both its spiritual significance and its grandeur. Whether for prayer, architectural admiration, or historical curiosity, the Church of the Carmelites offers a unique and enriching experience to all who visit.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Montevideo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Iglesia Carmelitas (Carmelite Church) on Map

Sight Name: Iglesia Carmelitas (Carmelite Church)
Sight Location: Montevideo, Uruguay (See walking tours in Montevideo)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Montevideo, Uruguay

Create Your Own Walk in Montevideo

Create Your Own Walk in Montevideo

Creating your own self-guided walk in Montevideo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Prado District Walking Tour

Prado District Walking Tour

A quiet, upscale barrio El Prado, in the north of Montevideo, is famous primarily for the sprawling park of the same name. Indeed, the city’s main green space, Parque del Prado is a major public venue made up of grassy fields, with the Arroyo Miguelete (Miguelete Creek) running through it, for which the neighborhood has been dubbed "the lung of the city".

Apart from the park,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Montevideo Old Town Walking Tour

Montevideo Old Town Walking Tour

In 1683, the Portuguese founded a city called Colonia do Sacramento across the bay from Buenos Aires. Field marshal Manuel da Fonseca built a fort there he called Montevieu. In 1724, the Spanish governor of Buenos Aires, one-armed Bruno Mauricio de Zabala, forced the Portuguese out and changed the name of the city.

Bruno and the Spanish settlers called their new city "Saint Philip and...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles