Buildings Using Doric Columns in Central America and South America

views

Central and South American countries have their list of buildings that uses Doric columns. Different architects and designers all over the globe contributed to the influence of neoclassical styles on this continent. That is why every type of Greek architectural order is visible in their nations – Doric, Tuscan, Ionic, Corinthian, etc.

Here is a list of some of the Central and South American structures using Doric Columns:

x

National Palace of El Salvador, San Salvador

Buildings Using Doric Columns in Canada

Located in San Salvador, this palace is a replacement for the old National Palace – which got destroyed on December 19, 1889. The construction took six years to complete, from 1905 to 1911. The palace has four main rooms – The Red Room, The Yellow Room, The Blue Room, and The Pink Room, and one hundred one secondary rooms. The neoclassical design of the palace is apparent in and out with its various ancient Greek influence, including Doric columns. 

Variedades Theater, Quito, Ecuador

Giacomo Radiconcini is an Italian architect responsible for designing and constructing the Variedades Theater  (Teatro Variedades Ernesto Alban) in 1913. The Italian influence of this building resembles the appearance of Roman structures, which include Doric columns in the façade windows. The Municipality of Quito, later on, bought the theater and gave it the name, Variedades Theater – Ernesto Alban, in honor of the first Ecuadorian Actor, Ernesto Alban.

Castillo Azul (Blue Castle), San Jose, Costa Rica

Castillo Azul (Blue Castle)

This neoclassical building in San Jose, Costa Rica, is home for the presidency of the Congress. The design of the castle is a mixture of modern and neoclassical styles. Doric columns are present in some parts of the castle, as well as other Italianate design. In 1976, it was declared a national monument and historical-architectural heritage of Costa Rica.

Palacio de La Moneda, Chile

Military parade in front of the Palacio de La Moneda in 1944
Military parade in front of the Palacio de La Moneda in 1944

Also known as La Moneda, this building serves as a seat of the President of the Republic of Chile, along with three other cabinet ministers. An Italian architect, Joaquin Toesca, designed the building in the late 1700s. The building has a pure neoclassical influence, apparent on its appearance. La Moneda is one of the most historical buildings in Chile, as it is present in most of the country’s past events.

The Church and Convent of St. Francis, Quito, Ecuador

(pictured above)

Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco or only el San Francisco is one of the most known Roman Catholic Church in Quito, Ecuador. It features high-class designs from top to bottom, including different styles. The inside of the church shows neoclassical appearance, excellently crafted ceilings, altarpieces, and columns – in various orders, including Doric columns. 

Museum of Fine Arts, Caracas, Venezuela

The Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes) is an art museum founded in 1917. Carlos Raul Villanueva is the architect who designed this neoclassical building. The structure of the museum includes four Doric columns in its façade. 

Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico

The building during its construction, 1928.
The building during its construction, 1928.

While primarily an example of Art Nouveau and Neoclassical architecture, the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City features columns that are inspired by classical orders, including Doric, in some of its interior spaces.

National Congress of Brazil, Brasília

The modernist buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer for the National Congress in Brasília feature simplified columns that, while not purely Doric, are inspired by the simplicity and strength that Doric columns represent.

Cathedral of Santiago, Chile

Project by Joaquín Toesca for the facade of the cathedral.
Project by Joaquín Toesca for the facade of the cathedral.

The neoclassical cathedral in Santiago, Chile, has elements that are inspired by classical architecture, including Doric columns in its interior design, showcasing the adaptation of classical elements in religious architecture.

The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation, Mexico

Located in Mexico City, this building features Neoclassical architecture with columns that are inspired by classical orders.

Final Thoughts

It’s important to note that while pure Doric columns may not be as prevalent in Central and South American architecture as in other regions, the influence of classical architecture is still visible in various buildings, particularly those built during periods when Neoclassical architecture was popular. Many buildings blend classical elements with local styles, creating unique architectural landmarks.

Share this
Tags

Recent articles

More like this