The global and local aspects of architectural model of the Jesuit missionary church in the Viceroyalty of Peru

entre lo global y lo local

Abstract

The Jesuit architecture that can be described as missionary existed in the Viceroyalty of Peru and it was represented by the simple forms of temples as the most recognizable buildings of this architecture. These were built by the Jesuits in places where the new Christian religious has been just introduced. Although some decorative elements and variants of the composition can be described as local solutions, this architecture was determined mainly by its function; it was not affected by the regional modifications. The global elements of missionary architecture of the Jesuits and its diversity within the regions are the main subjects of essay below. We will also focus on various aspects such as: the construction process itself, the survival of an indigenous tradition, the usage of forms and materials and also the variety of decorations. The analysis is based on examples of architecture created by the Society of Jesus, in Colombia (Tópaga, Fontibón), Peru (Andahuaylillas and Juli), Bolivia (Mojos and Chiquitos Indians), in the famous Guarani missions (Argentina, Paraguay) and in Chile (Chiloé).