La Asunción Cathedral
Nueva Esparta
La Asunción Cathedral, located in La Asunción on Margarita Island, Venezuela, is the oldest church in the country, with construction starting in 1570. Founded by Dominican priest Juan de Manzanillo, it stands as a significant religious and architectural landmark. The cathedral features a Renaissance-style façade and a plain interior lined with two rows of Tuscan columns supporting the roof. Its left lateral bell tower, dating back to 1599, is the oldest in Venezuela, though the bells themselves are now preserved in the adjacent Plaza Bolívar. The cathedral was originally destroyed by French Lutherans and fell into ruins by 1602, but reconstruction began in 1609 and was completed in 1621. It serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Margarita, created in 1969, and is a central place of worship for the Virgin of La Asunción. Declared a National Historic Monument in 1960, the cathedral remains a vital cultural and spiritual symbol on Margarita Island.
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Tip: The best time to visit La Asunción Cathedral is on August 15th during the festival celebrating the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, featuring a procession and mass. Visitors should consider arriving early to experience the festivities fully. While the cathedral has regular visiting hours, it's advisable to check local schedules ahead of time. Tickets are generally accessible, and discounts may be available for students or groups. Guided tours can enrich the visit by providing historical context.
Interesting facts
- •La Asunción Cathedral is the oldest church in Venezuela and one of the earliest churches in the Americas.
- •Its left lateral bell tower, dating from 1599, is the oldest bell tower in the country.
- •The cathedral was originally destroyed by French Lutherans and lay in ruins before reconstruction.
- •The bells from the unique bell tower are now preserved in the Plaza Bolívar outside the cathedral.
- •It was declared a National Historic Monument of Venezuela in 1960.
History
The cathedral's construction began in 1570, making it the oldest church in Venezuela and one of the earliest in the Americas.
Initially built between 1570 and 1571, it was destroyed by French Lutherans and lay in ruins by 1602.
Reconstruction started in 1609 and was completed in 1621.
In 1960, it was declared a National Historic Monument of Venezuela.
The Diocese of Margarita, for which it serves as the seat, was established in 1969 by Pope Paul VI.
Place Guide
Main Nave and Tuscan Columns17th century
The interior features two rows of massive Tuscan-style columns that support the roof, creating a solemn and spacious atmosphere for worship.
Left Lateral Bell Tower1599
Dating back to 1599, this is the oldest bell tower in Venezuela. The original bells are no longer in use and are displayed in the nearby Plaza Bolívar.
Façade and Entrance PortalLate 16th century
Built in the Renaissance style, the plain façade contrasts with the cathedral's historical importance and was considered a model church until the 19th century.
