Old Cathedral of Managua

You will find the Old Cathedral of Managua, formally known as the Catedral de Santiago (St. James' Cathedral), standing as a striking historical landmark in Managua, Nicaragua. Designed by Belgian architects, its elegant neoclassical facade was inspired by the famous church of Saint-Sulpice in Paris, France. When you visit, you are looking at a remarkable piece of architectural history constructed between 1928 and 1938 under the supervision of Belgian engineer Pablo Dambach.

Interestingly, the iron framing its core was shipped directly from Belgium. During its build, the iron core famously survived the 1931 Nicaragua earthquake. However, four decades later, the devastating 1972 Nicaragua earthquake heavily damaged the structure. Although the building was condemned, it was fortunately never demolished, leading eventually to the construction of the New Cathedral in 1993.

As you explore its history, you will learn that its tower clock suffered damage during the Contra Civil War of the 1980s before being removed in late 1990s renovations. While restoration of this iconic site has appeared possible over time, the story of its endurance makes it a fascinating location to discover during your journey through Nicaragua.

What to see at Old Cathedral of Managua

• Neoclassical design inspired by the church of Saint-Sulpice in Paris
• Iron core shipped directly from Belgium and engineered by Pablo Dambach
• Resilient structure that survived the 1931 earthquake and stood through the 1972 earthquake
• Historic tower clock damaged during the 1980s Contra Civil War

Visiting tips

To see the cathedral's original tower clock, head over to the National Palace of Culture where it is currently housed.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Old Cathedral of Managua is easy to reach on Managua’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Managua travel guide.