Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption

You can explore a poignant piece of Haitian history at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, often called the Port-au-Prince Cathedral. Built between 1884 and 1914 and dedicated in 1928, this historic site served as the cathedral church for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince. Before its ruin, the cupola on its north tower even doubled as a front lighthouse to guide mariners safely into the harbor.

Sadly, the catastrophic 2010 earthquake destroyed the structure, collapsing its roof, towers, archdiocesan offices, and nearby nunciature. Today, you will see the standing lower wall remnants and surviving façade that remain as a powerful testament to the original grand architecture. Though a modern reconstruction design by Puerto Rican architect Segundo Cardona was selected in an international competition to incorporate the historic walls into a new covered courtyard and 1,200-seat sanctuary, the site remains in ruins.

While you visit, you can witness how the local congregation continues its spiritual life, gathering nearby in a smaller, transitional cathedral located directly behind the majestic ruins, which was consecrated in 2014. It offers you a solemn, honest look at the nation's rich architectural heritage, tragic losses, and enduring resilience.

What to see at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption

• Historical lower wall sections and facade that survived the 2010 earthquake
• North tower cupola site that once functioned as a harbor lighthouse
• Surviving nave pillars planned to become a future covered courtyard
• Active transitional cathedral consecrated in 2014 located behind the ruins

Visiting tips

Look behind the historic ruins to see where the local congregation currently gathers for services in a smaller transitional cathedral.

How long: 1 hour · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is easy to reach on Port-au-Prince’s public transport, and pairs naturally with National Palace. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Port-au-Prince travel guide.