Trip to LA
After the first day in LA, I got the opportunity to visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. It is a breathtaking church. Modern looking but full of little gorgeous details all over.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angeles
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angeles, designed by Spanish architect Jose Rafael Moneo, was completed in 2002. This church was build to replace the Cathedral of St. Vibiana, which was damaged beyond repair in the Northridge Earthquake in 1994.
The modern structure towers over the 101 Hollywood Freeway from its perch between Olvera Street and Chinatown. Even if you’re not interested in the religious significance of the church, the art pieces, from the courtyard windows over the freeway, through the grand bronze doors to the community tapestry murals, are worth a visit.
These are some photos that I took during my visit:
Cathedral Architecture
The challenge in designing and building a new Cathedral Church was to make certain that it reflected the diversity of all people. Rather than duplicate traditional designs of the Middle Ages in Europe, the Cathedral is a new and vibrant expression of the 21st century Catholic peoples of Los Angeles.
Just as many European Cathedrals are built near rivers, Moneo considered the Hollywood Freeway as Los Angeles’ river of transportation, the connection of people to each other. The site is located between the Civic Center and the Cultural Center of the city.
Since I had a few minutes to spare, I sat down there just to admire the beauty around.
