Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro

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Architecture

Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro

San Diego, Medellin

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Location

Calle 35 #48-08
San Diego, Medellin

Hours

1pm to 5pm
Monday to Friday

Closed
Weekend & Holidays

Official Website

arqmedellin.co

Church Located in San Diego

Located in the city of Medellín, stands the notable and historic Roman Catholic church, Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro. If you have an appreciation for stained-glass windows and religious artwork, this Gothic-style church is a must-see attraction. With its striking architecture and captivating interior, it has become a beloved landmark in the region.

Situated near the San Diego mall, Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. For travelers on the Medellín metro, the church is a prominent sight on the right-hand side as you approach the Exposiciones metro station from the Poblado station. Its needle towers soar above the surrounding buildings, making it an unmistakable feature of the cityscape.

One of the most striking features of this church is its magnificent stained-glass windows, which allow colorful rays of light to filter into the interior, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. The church is adorned with various pieces of religious artwork, adding to its beauty and spiritual significance.

The History of the Church

The history of Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro dates back to early 1944 when Paulina Uribe de Mejía generously donated land in the Cólon neighborhood to the Archdiocese of Medellín for the construction of a new church. With a strong devotion to the Virgin Mary under the invocation of “Our Lady of Perpetual Help,” the donor envisioned the completion of the church within five years.

Responding to this generous offer, Monsignor Joaquin Garcia Benitez, the Archbishop of Medellín at that time, initiated the construction of the church in April 1944, enlisting the services of an architect. The building process commenced in 1945, but due to the marshy nature of the terrain near the Medellín River, construction began with extensive excavation and the design of deep reinforced concrete foundations to provide stability.

By 1951, the church was sufficiently completed and ready for use. Reverend Joseph J. Galeano became the first pastor of the church. Throughout the following years, the church received generous donations that allowed for the addition of various altars. Rosa Angel Escobar donated the right side altar in 1947, while Lucia Angel Escobar contributed the left altar in 1953. Finally, Doña Julia Velásquez made a donation in 1955, leading to the installation of the main altar.

Externally, Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro features a central tower flanked by two towers in the facade. Between these towers, a marble-carved image of the patron is displayed, accompanied by two bronze angels. The three towers, crafted from brass, culminate in elegant needle-like spires with subtle iron crosses adorning their tips. The overall structure of the church epitomizes the grandeur of Gothic-style architecture.

Inside the Church & Architecture

Stepping inside Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro, visitors are greeted by a beautiful interior adorned in yellow and white. The wooden pews provide seating for worshippers, offering a quiet holy space for reflection and prayer. The main altar, meticulously crafted from marble, showcases intricate mosaics and was created by the renowned Italian artist E. Bibolotti

Throughout the church, an array of religious artwork captivates the eye, further enhancing the spiritual ambiance. The exquisite stained-glass windows, in particular, mesmerize visitors with their vibrant colors and intricate designs.

While many churches in Medellín have confessionals on both sides, Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro deviates from this norm, featuring confessionals exclusively on the left side of the church.

Location Hours

Office Hours: 1pm – 5pm

Mass Hours:
Sunday: 8am, 11am & 6pm
Monday – Friday: 7am & 12:30pm
Saturday: 6pm

Getting There & Parking

To reach Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro, make your way to the Colón neighborhood, which is part of the La Candelaria comuna (El Centro). Conveniently located away from the crowded downtown area of Medellín, the church is easily accessible, not far from El Poblado. Let’s go over the different transportation options available to you.

Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, an art lover, or a devoted Catholic seeking a place of worship, Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro offers a captivating experience. Its rich history, stunning stained-glass windows, and remarkable Gothic-style architecture make it a must-visit destination in Medellín. Plan a visit to this beautiful church and immerse yourself in its spiritual and cultural significance.

Metro: If you’re using public transportation, the church is just three blocks away from the Exposiciones metro station on Line A of the Medellín metro. As you travel north from the Poblado station, you can catch a glimpse of the church on the right-hand side before reaching the Exposiciones station. Additionally, the church is a mere four blocks away from the San Diego shopping mall, making it a convenient stop for those exploring the area.

Taxi / Uber: Local taxi drivers in Medellín are also familiar with the location of Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro. Taxis are readily available at the nearby San Diego mall or at the Exposiciones metro station, ensuring easy access to the church. Of course you can always utilize one of the many ride-hailing apps like Uber instead of a taxi.