Two historic Choroní churches may be demolished after earthquake damage

Two historic churches in the Venezuelan coastal town of Choroní are at risk of demolition following extensive structural damage caused by recent powerful earthquakes. The churches, Santa Clara de Asís and San Juan Bautista, have been assessed by specialized bodies, which have not ruled out demolition as a necessary measure.

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The majority of the columns in both temples show severe cracks, which compromises their stability.

Santa Clara de Asís, located in the main town and considered the oldest, dates back to Choroní's founding in 1622. The San Juan Bautista chapel in Puerto Colombia was established approximately two centuries later. Both structures exhibit severe cracks in their columns, compromising their stability, according to the local parish priest, Edinson Correa.

Following the earthquakes, which registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, representatives from historical heritage and engineering departments visited the sites. They reported the grave condition of the buildings, leading to discussions about potential demolition. Consequently, religious services have been moved to provisional locations: services are now held in the town square in Puerto Colombia and at a temporary chapel in the Augustinian sisters' house in Choroní town.

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Representatives from historical heritage and engineering visited the parish after the earthquakes and warned that the state of the structures is serious, to the point of suggesting the possibility of demolishing them.

The mayor of the Girardot municipality, Rafael Morales, visited the area and confirmed that a formal inspection by an architect specializing in historical heritage is scheduled. This technical evaluation will be crucial in determining the future of the churches. If structural risks are confirmed, demolition will proceed. The situation highlights the vulnerability of Venezuela's historical sites to seismic activity.

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That technical evaluation will be decisive in defining the future of both buildings, as if the structural risk is confirmed, demolition would proceed.