When you see this magnificent structure, it takes your breath away! It is located near the Mirador on Lake Managua, in what used to be the old center of the city. During the earthquake of 1972, most of Managua's city center was destroyed, and to this day is still a sad site of mangled hulls and skeletons of old buildings that have become new slums.
But the historic cathedral, although seriously damaged by the earthquake, still stands. It is unfortunately damaged so badly that it is closed with heavy chains and locks, but is still magnificent in it's shattered splendor. This remarkable structure was built in 1927 by the Belgian architectural firm Dambach and Gathier in the "Ateliers Metalurgiques de Nivelles" in Belgium. It was the first building in Nicaragua to use a steel structure.
A 2003 report of the International Council of Monuments and Sites describes a dismal future for the cathedral. It was abandoned from 1972 to the 1990's when it scheduled for renovation with international assistance. However, the plans were put on hold when unsolvable problems with the foundation were discovered. The worst enemies of the Cathedral of Santiago are now vandalism, threats of earthquakes, and continuing deterioration from lack of any conservation efforts. Such a lovely building, but only a shadow of what it once was -- if you have the chance, visit it before it is gone.
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