Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (New Cathedral)
Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción
A landmark of Cuenca, its three giant domes covered in Czech blue tiles overlook Parque Calderón. The cathedral can hold about 9,000 people and is one of the largest churches in Ecuador.
Construction of the New Cathedral began in 1885. Because of structural problems, the bell tower could not be raised to its original design height, so locals still call the building the 'unfinished' cathedral. The interior is decorated with Carrara marble from Italy and pink stone, and the main altar's canopy is modeled on the baldachin of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Entry to the nave is free. A side door sells tickets (about US$3 to 5) for the rooftop terrace, where you can get close to the blue domes and look out over the old town. Please keep quiet during Mass.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–17:00 (rooftop terrace hours vary)
Nearby sights
- Parque Calderón
- Plaza de las Flores
- Old Cathedral (El Sagrario)
- Plaza & Church of San Francisco
- Church of Santo Domingo
- Mercado 10 de Agosto
- Calle Larga
- Museo de las Conceptas