Cathedral of Santa Isabel
Catedral de Santa Isabel
A neo-Gothic twin-towered cathedral completed in 1916, a landmark of Malabo and the principal Catholic cathedral of Equatorial Guinea.
Santa Isabel Cathedral was designed by a Spanish architect, begun in 1897 and completed in 1916. Its red-and-white twin spires and Gothic window tracery stand out sharply under the tropical sun, and it is one of the largest churches in West Africa. It was renovated around 2020, and the interior has vaulted ceilings and stained glass. The cathedral faces Independence Square and, together with the surrounding colonial-era buildings, forms the historic core of Malabo. Opening hours outside Mass are irregular, so Sunday morning is the best time to visit. Equatorial Guinea strictly controls photography of government buildings, so check for nearby soldiers or police before taking photos.
Opening hours
Open during Mass times; Sunday morning is the most reliable time to attend
Nearby sights
- Independence Square & Old Town
- Mercado Central
- Paseo Marítimo
- Malabo National Park
- Sipopo Beach
- Pico Basilé
- Arena Blanca
- Luba