Santiago of Managua Cathedral

Managua, Nicaragua

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The Santiago of Managua Cathedral, also known as the Old Cathedral of Managua, is one of Nicaragua’s most iconic historical landmarks.

Located in the heart of Managua, the neoclassical cathedral was built between 1928 and 1938 using an iron framework imported from Belgium and was inspired by the design of Saint-Sulpice Church in Paris. The cathedral survived the 1931 earthquake but was heavily damaged during the devastating 1972 Managua earthquake.

As a result, it was closed and replaced by a new metropolitan cathedral, while the original structure remained as a historic monument and symbol of the city’s resilience. Today, the cathedral stands overlooking Plaza de la Revolución as a cultural and architectural landmark. Although no longer used for regular worship, it attracts visitors who come to appreciate its history, distinctive architecture, and its role as a reminder of Managua’s past.