Author(s)

R.F. Borges

Abstract

An ongoing study conducted by the author is aimed at deriving a better under-standing of the history, architecture, and structural characteristics of San Jose Church. This paper discusses various aspects of the architectural history of the building as well as a preliminary assessment of the structural performance of the barrel vaults that cover the Central Nave of the church. Introduction The San Jose Church (figure 1) is one of the first works of architecture built in the New World by the Spaniards in the 16^ Century. Elements of the Gothic style are found in the construction of the stellar rib-vaults above the Main Chapel and Transept of the church (figure 2) and barrel vaults, of the Italian Renaissance period, cover the Central Nave (figure 3) of this most exceptional example of religious architecture in t

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