Bogotá, Colombia, Jul 20, 2007 / 09:25 am
Fourteen native Colombians of the Paeces tribe are rebuilding the Church of St. Rose of Lima, built 200 years ago in the town of Tierradentro-Cauca.
The work of restoration, which is expected to be finished in December, is being done using traditional building materials from the region.
Architect Sofia Velasco, who is coordinating the restoration, said the central walls have yet to be restored and that they would be decorated with artwork inspired in native Colombian styles. She said workers have completed restoration of the altar and the wall behind it and are now working on the choir.
The Church of St. Rose was built in 1807 with the help of Jesuit priest Father Jose Joaquin Nunez y Tovar. The Jesuits arrived in Tierradentro in 1613 and built twelve churches, only seven of which are still standing.