Balbaner Chapel
Cajabamba, Chimborazo, Ecuador
Description:
To begin with, this church of La Balbanera is located in the town of Cahamba in Ecuador and it is indeed the oldest church built by the Spaniards in this country. Built in 1524, this church is conveniently located in a mountainous area between the ocean coast and the jungle. Unfortunately, the original building was destroyed in 1797 by a strong earthquake, but almost immediately the church was restored.
La Balbanera has rough stone walls, which are decorated with simple patterns and cherubs, as well as the faces of saints and other religious symbols. It is interesting that along with them in jewelry there are marine motifs, for example, anchors. The main arched entrance is supported by two pillars, which involuntarily suggests the inviolability and monolithicity of this temple.