Catedral Metropolitana

Catedral Metropolitana Review

Built in 1871 and completely refurbished in the late 1990s to repair earthquake damage, the neoclassical Metropolitan Cathedral, topped by a corrugated tin dome, isn't terribly interesting outside. But inside are patterned floor tiles, stained-glass windows depicting various saints and apostles, and framed polychrome bas-reliefs illustrating the 14 Stations of the Cross. This renovation did away with one small time-honored tradition: rather than purchase and light a votive candle, the faithful now deposit a 100-colón coin illuminating a bulb in a row of tiny electric candles.

The interior of the small Capilla del Santísimo (Chapel of the Host) on the cathedral's north side evokes ornate old Catholicism, much more so than the main sanctuary itself, and is a place for reflection and prayer. A marble statue of Pope John Paul II graces the garden on the building's north side. Masses are held throughout the day on Sunday starting at 7 am, with one in English each Saturday at 3 pm. Thanks to a late-2008 restoration, the magnificent 1891 Belgian pipe organ fills the church with music once again. Although not technically part of the cathedral complex, a small statue of Holocaust victim Anne Frank graces the pedestrian mall on the building's south side. It was donated by the Embassy of the Netherlands.