The Churches in El Salvador are incredible; they have beautiful styles such as Colonial, Gothic, Baroque, Early Christian, and Modern. Also, each church has an astonishing history that appeals to all kinds of visitors.
The best Churches in El Salvador to visit are the Santa Ana Cathedral, the San Salvador Cathedral, the El Rosario church, the Santa Lucia Church in Suchitoto, the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Ataco, the San Miguel Cathedral, the Church of the Holy Cross in Panchimalco, and the El Calvario Church in San Salvador.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in San Salvador and the Our Lady of Guadalupe Basilica in Antiguo Cuscatlan are also worth visiting.
- 1- The Santa Ana Cathedral
- 2- San Salvador Cathedral
- 3- El Rosario church, San Salvador
- 4- Santa Lucia Church, Suchitoto
- 5- Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ataco
- 6- The San Miguel Cathedral
- 7- Church of the Holy Cross of Rome, Panchimalco
- 8- El Calvario Church in San Salvador
- 9- Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, San Salvador
- 10- Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Antiguo Cuscatlan
SEE ALSO: El Salvador Tourism: A Journey Through Pristine Beaches, Colorful Towns, and Enchanting Parks
1- The Santa Ana Cathedral
The Cathedral of Our Lady Saint Anne, or La Catedral de la Señora Santa Ana in Spanish, is a neo-Gothic cathedral located in the city of Santa Ana.
The imposing Cathedral of Santa Ana is more than a fantastic Gothic-style church; it is a unique structure that keeps the culture and religion of the city alive. The Cathedral’s Neo-Gothic design contrasts with the typical Salvadoran Spanish colonial-style church.
The cathedral was first built around 1576. Then, in the early 9th century, lightning destroyed half of the church. Workers started reconstructing the iconic Santa Ana church in 1906. Rebuilding continued for decades until its completion in 1959.
The Santa Ana Cathedral is one of the churches you should definitely see in El Salvador.
SEE ALSO: The Santa Ana Cathedral in El Salvador. Impressive Neo-Gothic Church
2- San Salvador Cathedral
The San Salvador Cathedral, or Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Savior, is in the heart of the San Salvador historic district, near some of the best tourist spots in the Nation’s Capital. It is also home to the Archbishop of San Salvador, the principal figure in the Salvadoran archdioceses.
This Cathedral does not look like your standard Salvadoran-style colonial church. The main reason for the non-typical look is that it has been rebuilt two times. In 1873, a massive earthquake destroyed the original church, and then in 1951, a fire reduced the second church to ashes.
SEE ALSO: The San Salvador Cathedral. Historical Salvadoran Church.
Soon after the fire, workers began building the third church with a new non-colonial look. Workers finished the work on the third church in 1999.
You should visit this church; it has an astonishing history and is the resting place of Monseñor Oscar Arnulfo Romero Galdamez.
3- El Rosario church, San Salvador
This unique church has made this list due to its concrete exterior; it looks like an airport hangar more than a house of prayer. The outside conceals a beautifully arched roof and a rainbow of natural light that rushes across the altar.
You should visit El Rosario church either early in the morning or late afternoon; during these times, the lights have the most captivating effect.
El Rosario church is conveniently located in the San Salvador Historic District, near popular attractions such as the National Palace and the National Theater.
SEE ALSO: The El Rosario Church in San Salvador. Amazing Modern Temple!
4- Santa Lucia Church, Suchitoto
The Santa Lucia church is located in the colorful town of Suchitoto; it is a colonial-style church that dates back to colonial times. The church is one of the main attractions of Suchitoto; to this day, it still has its original colonial structure.
The outside of the church is painted white, typical of colonial-era churches. It has two towers; one IS the bell tower, and the other has metal bars that produce different sounds.
The inside of the church is beautiful; it has hand-carved panels, six iconic columns, and sculptures worth seeing.
Visit Suchitoto and explore the magnificent church that dates back to colonial times. Furthermore, the area around Suchitoto is home to great tourist attractions such as Suchitlan Lake, the Guazapa volcano, and the town itself.
SEE ALSO: Exploring Suchitoto El Salvador: Embrace the Extraordinary Charm of this Colonial Town
5- Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ataco
One of the principal attractions at Concepción Ataco is its stunning colonial church and sanctuary; the church is in honor of the Immaculate Conception of Maria.
At the request of parish priest Rafael Fernandez and the Ataco municipality, On January 5, 2003, this church was given the title of a sanctuary.
Atyaco’s Church of the Immaculate Conception was severely damaged during the 2001 earthquake. The renovated sanctuary was open to the public again in 2003.
The Immaculate Conception of Maria church is not as impressive as the one in Santa Ana or San Salvador; nonetheless, this unique sanctuary has plenty to offer its visitors.
SEE ALSO: Exploring Concepcion de Ataco El Salvador: A Colorful Town in Ahuachapan
6- The San Miguel Cathedral
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, commonly known as La Catedral de San Miguel, is located in the city of San Miguel.
The cathedral has a long and fascinating history that involves local Indians, the Spanish colonists, and pirates who invaded the Gulf of Fonseca.
This church, until 1862, was known as the San Miguel Archangel church; at this point, it was demolished to make room for the new Virgin Our Lady of Peace Church.
Historians noted that General Gerardo Barrios, an influential figure in El Salvador, laid the first stone to create this temple in 1862. The rocks used to build this church came from the slopes of the Chaparrastique volcano.
7- Church of the Holy Cross of Rome, Panchimalco
The colonial town of Panchimalco is one of the most popular in the country; it has a history that dates back to colonial times.
The church of the holy cross of Rome in Panchimalco is part of the Salvadoran colonial heritage; workers started building the church in 1543 and completed it in 1730.
SEE ALSO: Panchimalco El Salvador: A Colonial Town with Fantastic Charm and Culture near the Capital
The traditional colonial church, with a classical Baroque style, is an astonishing sight in the colorful town of Panchimalco that you should visit. The best time to visit this town and explore the church is during the May Flowers and Palms Festival.
8- El Calvario Church in San Salvador
El Calvario church is a beautiful architectural structure in the nation’s capital. The church is in the heart of downtown San Salvador, near other popular attractions.
The original church was built to host festivities during Lent and the Holy Week. In 1854, an earthquake destroyed the first El Calvario church. Then, in 1908, a fire consumed the second El Calvario church.
Lastly, in 1925, engineer Augusto Baratta completed the construction of the third El Calvario church. The church, completed in 1925, is among many other significant buildings at the heart of San Salvador.
9- Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, San Salvador
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a neo-gothic church and a treasure of the nation’s capital. The bishop of San Salvador started the construction of this church at the beginning of the 19th century.
This church, constructed out of wood and metal sheets, has survived many earthquakes and has been well-preserved. So, visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus; it is like taking a trip back to San Salvador in the early nineteenth century.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is an architectural jewel located in an area with easy access. Without a doubt, the ease of getting there and the architectural beauty are why the Basilica is highly visited by parishioners and tourists alike.
10- Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Antiguo Cuscatlan.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is located at the western end of the nation’s capital; it borders between the municipalities of San Salvador and Antiguo Cuscatlan.
This basilica, known as La Ceiba de Guadalupe, is one of the most popular religious places in El Salvador. It is a favorite location for weddings, baptisms, and other religious activities.
The construction of this magnificent church started in 1913; however, it took forty years for its completion in 1953.
Renowned German philanthropist Walter Deininger was the person who made the construction of this basilica possible. He also bankrolled the building of many prominent structures in the Antiguo Cuscatlan district.
Churches in El Salvador.
Excellent history and beautiful architecture are what the Churches in El Salvador offer; they captivate both locals and visitors. Take a chance and explore these churches that have been a big part of the country’s history.
In each municipality in El Salvador, you will find catholic churches that are simply amazing, with many reasons why you should visit them.
These churches have architectural designs that date back to colonial and have a unique history, which makes them more appealing to visitors.
If you ever get the chance, travel to El Salvador and visit one of these astonishing catholic churches. It does not matter if you are not religious; the Churches in El Salvador are worth exploring!
