Metropolitan Cathedral of San Salvador

Metropolitan Cathedral of San Salvador tickets: which one to buy

The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Saviour stands on the north side of the Plaza Barrios in the historic centre of San Salvador, capital of El Salvador, and entry is free. It is the burial place of Saint Oscar Romero, the archbishop assassinated in 1980, and it is visited by pilgrims from around the world. The crypt, where his tomb lies, is the most visited part. Walking tours of the historic centre combine the cathedral with the National Palace, the National Theatre, the Church of El Rosario, known for its modern stained glass, and the Plaza Libertad.

The centre has been revitalised in recent years and is safer than before, but it is still wise to visit during the day and with a guide. Many visitors combine the cathedral with a visit to the chapel of the Divine Providence hospital, where Romero was killed, and the museum dedicated to him. Guided tours of the historic centre are offered by the tourist police and local operators.

Visiting Metropolitan Cathedral of San Salvador: what to see

The cathedral has been rebuilt many times after fires and earthquakes; the present building was begun in 1956 and completed in 1999, with a large central dome and two towers. Its most famous exterior feature is the facade mosaic by the Salvadoran artist Fernando Llort, a brightly coloured design in his naive style with symbols of faith and Salvadoran life, installed in 1997; in 2011 it was removed without warning, provoking public outrage, and it has been partially restored in a different way. Beneath the cathedral, the crypt holds the tomb of Saint Oscar Romero, canonised in 2018, with a bronze monument showing the archbishop lying in rest, surrounded by the symbols of the four evangelists.

The crypt is also the burial place of other bishops. During the civil war, the cathedral was the scene of massacres, including the shooting of mourners at Romero's funeral in 1980. The interior of the upper cathedral is spacious, with modern stained glass and a large painting of the Divine Saviour above the altar. Photographs and personal objects of Saint Oscar Romero are displayed near his tomb. Visitors leave flowers, candles and handwritten messages at the monument. The cathedral steps are a gathering place for vendors and pilgrims.

Metropolitan Cathedral of San Salvador opening hours and the best time to go

The cathedral is open daily, and the crypt is open for visits outside services. Sunday masses are well attended. The anniversary of Romero's death on 24 March is marked with processions and commemorations, and his feast day is celebrated in October. San Salvador has a warm climate all year, with a rainy season from May to October, when afternoon storms are common.

The August festivities of the Divine Saviour of the World, the patron of the country, bring parades and celebrations to the capital. Allow about half an hour for the cathedral and crypt, and combine it with the National Palace across the square. The Church of El Rosario, a short walk away, is a modern concrete building filled with colourful light from its stained glass.