The last of the churches we visited is the Basilica del Voto Nacional, the Basilica of the National Vow. This seems to serve much the same function as the National Cathedral in Washington, DC.
It was begun in 1884 with state funding and has been under construction (at least technically) ever since. The local legend is that when it is officially finished, the world will end.
It is the largest neo-gothic Basilica in the Americas. While it is not nearly so over the top in baroque decorations as the earlier churches, it is still impressive and quite beautiful. Being so much larger that the other churches we visited, it has a very imposing feeling to it. Being in it compels you to be quite and talk only in whispers.
Unlike many of the churches of the same vintage we've visited elsewhere, this place is packed with really splendid, traditionally styled stained glass. None of the modern abstract stuff here. In addition to small alcoves for the famous and revered, there is a side chapels for each of the states in the country. It is clear that this is place where events important to the nation happen.
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