Old Cathedral of Managua, Managua

The Old Cathedral of Managua, known locally as the Catedral de Santiago, is a poignant emblem of the city of Managua, Nicaragua. This striking edifice, with its neoclassical architecture and distinctive yellow and white facade, has stood as a witness to the city's turbulent history, including the devastating earthquake of 1972 that left it in ruins.

Constructed between 1928 and 1938, the cathedral was designed by the Belgian architect Pablo Dambach, who imbued the structure with the grandeur and solemnity befitting a religious landmark. It was consecrated and opened to the public with great ceremony, quickly becoming a central place of worship and a symbol of the city's identity.

However, tragedy struck in December 1972 when a catastrophic earthquake hit Managua, severely damaging the cathedral. The quake, which claimed thousands of lives and altered the cityscape, caused the cathedral's twin towers to crumble and left its interior structurally unsound. Despite its damage, the facade of the Old Cathedral remains largely intact, serving as a haunting reminder of the past and a testament to the resilience of the Nicaraguan people.

Due to safety concerns, the cathedral was closed to the public and has remained so for decades. Proposals for its restoration have been discussed, but the extensive damage and the costs involved have led to ongoing debates about its future. Even in its dilapidated state, the Old Cathedral of Managua continues to be a poignant landmark and an essential part of the city's cultural heritage.