In 2011 UNESCO declared the Léon Cathedral as Nicaragua’s newest UNESCO Site. The construction of the current building began in 1747. It continued for close to 100 years, finishing in 1819. Pope Pius IX consecrated the building in 1860. The proper name is the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary of Léon. In Spanish the name is La Basilica de la Asunción de María de Léon. It is often referred to as the Pantheon of Nicaragua.
It was the home of the Episcopal 1st diocese of the Catholic Church of Nicaragua, founded in 1531. Today, it is the oldest diocese in the America’s. Even today, the Léon diocese continues to call the famous structure home.
Today’s building is the Cathedral’s fourth incarnation. Built in 1610, the original structure was quickly replaced in 1624 by a wood and adobe building. This one lasted until 1685, when pirate William Dampier burnt it down. Another adobe building was erect until construction began on the enormous “Antigüeño”. Which would become known as Central America’s Baroque-style masterpiece.
Indigenous laborers completed much of the building during the 67 years of construction. It houses magnificent works of art. Including two masterpieces, Stations of the Cross by Antionio Sarria and El Cristo Negro de Padraria. Arriving in 1538, El Cristo Negro is the oldest Catholic image in the America’s. Also, don’t miss out on the marble statues, such as Immaculada Concepción de María (or Immaculate Conception of Maria).
The Basilica is the largest, oldest, and the best known in Central America. Not only is this due to distinct architecture, but also its special cultural importance. Diego José de Porres Esquivel, a Guatemalan architect, developed the design in 1762. Diego went on to blend the Baroque and Neoclassicism styles. He used influences from Gothic, Renaissance, and Mudéjar as inspiration.
The floor plan has a rectangular design, like the style of the time. He used an architecture that is reminiscent of those in both Lima and Cusco, Peru. The robustness of the walls protects the building from seismic activity. It has also, to this point, allowed it to withstand the test of time. It has withstood countless tremors and volcanic eruptions from Cerro Negro, Nicaragua’s most active volcano.
There are seven tunnels that run underneath, each one leads to a different church. The building sits on top of seven cellars, which helps provide stability during earthquakes. It has 34 domes that help with ventilation and natural light. This cathedral is one of the best naturally illuminated cathedrals in the Americas.
Many prominent Nicaraguan’s have been laid to rest underneath the building. The Catholic Church offers burial below it to fund both construction and maintenance. In fact, there are 27 people currently laid to rest. There’s 10 Bishops, five Priests, six notables, three prominent poets, a musician, a doctor, a professor, a slave, and an eminent leader of Nicaragua’s movement for independence.
Scale the Roof for Epic Views
Yet, with everything said the roof is the highlight. Climb to the panoramic views for only 105 Cordoba ($3 USD). The office selling tickets is on the east side of the building, facing the market. Ascend the tower, after purchasing tickets, in the Cathedral’s northwest corner. The completely white painted roof is something else. All visitors must remove their shoes before beginning the ascent. This helps to keep the white stone clean and vibrant for future guests.
The view of Léon from above is incredible. It offers unimpeded views of most of the city, the colonial churches, and smoking volcanoes in the distance. The Pacific Ocean kisses the land as the volcanic landscape stretches as far as the eye can see. The colorful facades highlight the foreground with the rolling hills behind it.
When to Visit
The Cathedral is open Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm and again from 2pm to 4pm. I recommend visiting during the afternoon hours. Sure, it is a time that is a little busier. But, with good timing you’ll be able to see most of the sunset before the roof closes for the night.
The white paint deflects the sun while a cooling breeze rolls through. This keeps the temperature cool from what would otherwise be an unbearable heat. The Cathedral is in the center of the city and hard to miss. Read everything you want to know about the city with my in-depth article on Léon.
I spent an afternoon exploring the Cathedral and its facilities. It was hard not to find myself in awe from the grandiosity of the building and the masterpieces of art inside. The paintings and marble statues highlight the indoors. While the roof is the pinnacle of the outside. The white roof is special, and the views of the city are expansive.
Final Thoughts
This Cathedral is the perfect destination for both backpackers and families alike. The walls are full of history, literally and metaphorically. It’s fun to imagine how the wooden adobe church looked before the arrival of the current structure. This is the kind of destination that’s perfect for just about anyone. If you make the journey to the city of Léon, then be sure to stop into this magnificent structure. Delve deep into the ancient cathedral and the history of Nicaragua.
Quick Notes:
- Cathedral Visiting Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday 8 am to 12pm & 2pm to 4pm
- Scale the Cathedral Roof: 105 Cordoba ($3 USD)
- Ticket office is on the east side of the building, facing the market
- Roof entrance in the northwest corner
Patrons take communion at the altar during service.
