|
|||||
The BasilicaDesigned by architect Angel Goicoechea, between 1896 and 1901, commissioned by the Duchess of Villahermosa, a descendant of the family of Javier, the basilica has a mixture of style, using elements of Romanesque, Gothic and Byzantine. The facade, in its neo-Romanesque tympanum contains the names of the various parts of Europe, Africa and Asia tours Javier, and their capitals are decorated with various scenes from his life. The interior is a neo-Gothic nave with Lombard galleries. On the altar stands a large statue of St. Francis Xavier, sculpted by J. Sunol, flanked by twelve Jesuit saints. On several doors are Italian paintings depicting various moments in the life of Javier Castillo, by Caparoni. The crypt under the church was built t because of the unevenness of the ground, and contains the tombs of the Dukes of Villahermosa and family Goyeneche. |