Benedictine Abbey in Güigüe, Venezuela, Nears Completion After Three Years of Construction

The Benedictine Abbey of Güigüe, located on the shores of Lake Valencia in Venezuela, is nearing completion after three years of intensive work. Designed by architect Jesús Tenreiro-Degwitz, the monastery represents one of the most significant Venezuelan architectural works in recent years. The project originated in the late 1970s when the Benedictine community of San José del Ávila, based in Caracas, decided to relocate due to urban growth that had encroached upon their land. The new abbey, built with brick and concrete, was developed through ongoing dialogue between Tenreiro-Degwitz and the monks. The architect's connection to the Benedictines began through personal visits to San José del Ávila, where he sought calm and eventually befriended the community, including Otto Lohner. The monastery will also serve as a retreat and reflection center. The Benedictines are praised for their courageous approach, selecting an architect, engaging in dialogue, and granting him supervision authority, rather than relying on official institutions. The architecture stands as a testament to their commitment and creative capacity.