Granada Cathedral

Photo provided by R P Washburne / Nicaraguan Tourism Board
Marvel at the colorful façade of this 16th-century cathedral and tour the interior for its chapels, paintings and statues.

The prominent city landmark of Granada Cathedral stands over Central Plaza. It’s an arresting sight with its bright yellow façade trimmed with white. Destroyed and rebuilt on numerous occasions, the current neoclassical structure was completed in 1915.

Pause for a moment in the square to take in the cathedral's architecture and design details. Admire the red tiling on the dome and the two bell towers. Observe the stone cross in front of the cathedral and appreciate the building’s white balustrades and smooth white columns.

Stroll around the impressive interior, a large light-filled space that has the same yellow and white colour scheme as the exterior. Your tour of the church will take you to three separate naves and four chapels.

Study the religious statues dotted throughout the building and note their expressive faces. Look up into the dome, which is ringed by 12 windows, some of them made of stained glass. Try and pick out the religious scenes they depict. Photograph the main altar with its bright blue backdrop. To the left and behind the altar is a statue of the Virgin Mary in a rock-like grotto. Other highlights include the tiled floor and numerous paintings. 

Once you have finished your look inside the cathedral, stay and enjoy the plaza. Sit under the shade of a tree by the fountain and watch the street performers and locals passing by. Occasionally, the square is a venue for markets and festivals.

Granada Cathedral is open all week although the main services are held on Sunday and during holidays. There is no admission fee. This important Catholic place of worship is located on the east side of the city’s central plaza, close to several popular bus routes. Granada is a compact city and many of its attractions are within easy walking distance of each other.

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