Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Saviour
El Salvador·San Salvador·Catholic Archdiocese of San Salvador
The Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Saviour is the cathedral church of the Catholic Archdiocese of San Salvador, located in San Salvador, El Salvador. It stands on the site of the former Temple of Santo Domingo and has a history marked by destruction, rebuilding, and significant national events, including the funerals of assassinated figures and celebrations of peace.
Key Facts
- ›The first cathedral on the site was established in 1842 and was destroyed by an earthquake in 1873.
- ›A second wooden cathedral, completed in 1888, burned down in 1951.
- ›Archbishop Óscar Romero famously deferred its completion in the late 1970s to fund projects for the poor.
- ›The cathedral was the site of several significant national events, including the San Salvador Cathedral Massacre in 1979 and a deadly stampede during Óscar Romero's funeral in 1980.
- ›The cathedral was completed and inaugurated in 1999 with a tiled facade by Fernando Llort, which was later destroyed in 2012.
- ›It houses the tomb of Archbishop Óscar Romero, a major pilgrimage site, and was visited by Pope John Paul II and U.S. President Barack Obama.
Churrigueresque
Divine Saviour of the World
Tomb of Archbishop óScar Romero
Fernando Llort
About Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Saviour
The Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Saviour (Catedral Metropolitana de San Salvador) serves as the principal church for the Catholic Archdiocese of San Salvador in El Salvador's capital city. Its history is intertwined with pivotal national events and the spiritual life of the Salvadoran people.
History and Significance
The current cathedral stands on the site of the former Temple of Santo Domingo. The first cathedral was established in 1842 but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1873. A subsequent wooden structure, completed in 1888, met a fiery end in 1951. During the late 1970s, its completion was deliberately deferred by Archbishop Óscar Romero to channel funds towards projects for the poor, a testament to his commitment to social justice.
The cathedral square has been the backdrop for numerous significant national moments. It witnessed the grand funerals of assassinated political figures and was the site of the San Salvador Cathedral Massacre in 1979, where demonstrators were killed on its steps. Most tragically, during the funeral of Archbishop Romero in 1980, a stampede caused by alleged gunfire resulted in numerous fatalities. Conversely, it also became a place of jubilation following the signing of the Chapultepec Peace Accords that ended the Salvadoran Civil War in 1992.
Completed and inaugurated on March 19, 1999, the cathedral's facade was adorned with a vibrant tiled mural by Salvadoran artist Fernando Llort. This artistic element was later controversially removed and destroyed in 2012.
Religious Importance and Visits
The Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Saviour holds deep religious significance, particularly as the resting place of Archbishop Óscar Romero. His tomb is a major pilgrimage destination, drawing visitors from around the world. Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral twice, kneeling in prayer at Romero's tomb, and described the cathedral as "intimately allied with the joys and hopes of the Salvadoran people." The cathedral also hosted United States President Barack Obama during his visit in 2011.
Architectural Features
The cathedral houses a shrine to an image of the Divine Saviour of the World, the patron of El Salvador, sculpted in 1777. The main altar features an image of the Divine Saviour donated by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V in 1546, set within a baldacchino surrounded by depictions of the prophets Moses and Elijah. Eight large paintings illustrating scenes from the life of Christ by Andrés García Ibáñez adorn the altar area. The structure is crowned by a striking Churrigueresque cupola, standing 148 feet high with a radius of 79 feet.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Saviour?
The Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Saviour is the principal church of the Catholic Archdiocese of San Salvador. It is a significant religious and historical landmark in the capital city of El Salvador.
Where is the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Saviour located?
It is located in San Salvador, El Salvador, on the northern side of Plaza Barrios.
What is the history of the cathedral?
The site was formerly occupied by the Temple of Santo Domingo. The first cathedral was built in 1842 and destroyed in 1873. Subsequent structures faced destruction by fire and an earthquake, with the current building completed in 1999 after decades of deferred construction.
What is the significance of Archbishop Óscar Romero in relation to the cathedral?
Archbishop Óscar Romero, who was assassinated in 1980, deferred the cathedral's completion to fund social projects. His tomb within the cathedral is a major pilgrimage destination, and his funeral there was marked by tragic events.
What architectural features are notable about the cathedral?
The cathedral features a shrine to the Divine Saviour of the World, an altar donated by Emperor Charles V, and paintings by Andrés García Ibáñez. It is topped by a Churrigueresque cupola.
Has the cathedral undergone significant changes to its appearance?
Yes, the cathedral was completed in 1999 with a distinctive tiled ceramic facade by Fernando Llort. This facade was controversially removed and destroyed in 2012.
