Matriz Church, Uruguay
Iglesia Matriz or Matriz Church is a Roman Catholic Church located in the historic quarter of the city Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. As part of the historic center of Colonia del Sacramento which is notable for its wel-preserved architecture in Portuguese, Spanish and post-colonial styles, Iglesia Matriz was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1995.Iglesia Matriz is the oldest church in Uruguay and dates back to 1699. It has been damaged and partly destroyed several times, most severely in 1823 when an explosion destroyed the sacristy which was used as storage of the explosive. The church was later beautifully restored and houses many valuable works of art such the altar-piece from the16th century, painting of the Holy Family from 17th century and statue of Saint Francis of Assisi.
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