The Santa Ana de Velasco Mission, founded in 1755 by Father Julian Knogler, is an outstanding example of the rich cultural heritage of the Jesuit missions in Bolivia. Its mission temple, built by the indigenous community in 1770, reflects the baroque style characteristic of the period, with notable indigenous features that show the connection with local materials and the culture of the ethnic groups. Thanks to a complete restoration led by architect Hans Roth between 1996 and 2000, the temple has been preserved as a living testimony of the history and musical tradition of the region.
Inside the church is the only original missionary organ built around 1730 by the missionary Martin Schmid, which is still in perfect working order. Santa Ana de Velasco is also known for its vibrant music scene, with a choir and orchestra accompanying the liturgy and performing classical music concerts. In addition, the community has preserved a valuable collection of old sheet music and musical instruments, which are stored in the Archivo Musical de Chiquitos in Concepción. This mission is not only an important cultural and tourist destination, but also plays a crucial role in the preservation and dissemination of Bolivia’s baroque musical heritage.
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822J+V9M, San Miguel, Bolivia - Web
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The only organ of the neo-Hispanic baroque period in the Missions
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