Photos

This is one of the finest temples built by the Jesuit Missions that settled in eastern Bolivia in the early 1600s. This the Temple of San Ignacio de Velasco, located in the northeastern border of Bolivia with Brazil. This temple was finished in 1748, its structure is made out of local wood and it has impressive and beatiful carvings everywhere. This temples are caracterized by the tall and big bell towers. They are simply magnificient when you think that back in the 1700s you had very little skilled labor, tools and equipment to do this. Also, you must keep in mind that these days, you could only find wild natives around and they were not always friendly. The Jesuits worked well with the natives, teaching them to play musical instruments like the fiddle and guitars. The natives loved the music and have become musicians ever since. At this time you find that many youngsters decicate their lives to music and play especially Musica Barroca. It is great.