Catedral Primada de América
Catedral Primada de América (Basílica Catedral Santa María de la Encarnación)
The oldest cathedral in the Americas, completed between 1514 and 1541. It blends Gothic and plateresque styles, and Columbus's remains were once laid to rest here.
The cathedral's formal name is the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Annunciation, the first cathedral in the Americas. Its façade is in the Spanish plateresque style, which evokes silversmith work. Inside, you will find Gothic ribbed vaults, 14 side chapels and precious altar silverwork. Columbus's remains were kept here for a long time before being moved to the Columbus Lighthouse in 1992. Visitors must dress appropriately, with shoulders and knees covered. A multilingual audio guide is available, and admission costs a few US dollars. The main entrance faces Columbus Park.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–16:30 (visits restricted during Sunday Mass)
Nearby sights
- Parque Colón
- Ciudad Colonial
- Calle Las Damas
- Convento de los Dominicos
- Fortaleza Ozama
- National Pantheon
- Ruins of the Hospital San Nicolás de Bari
- Museo de las Casas Reales