Catedral Metropolitana de Guayaquil

The port city of Guayaquil has become inundated with attempts at modernization due to the influx of tourists using it as a starting point for reaching the Galapagos Islands. Thankfully, there are still remnants of the stunning architecture that once made this city the most beautiful in Ecuador. One such structure is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Guayaquil.

This expansive cathedral was constructed over the course of more than a decade 1924– 1937, after the original wood structure was destroyed in a fire. The architects switched to a neo-Gothic style in order to create a sturdier building more in line with the times. Inside the main cathedral lies a stunning vista of columns accented by stained glass windows. The height from the floor to the ceiling is one of the largest I’ve come across in my travels and breathtaking to behold.

Unlike outside the doors, the inside of the cathedral was cool thanks to the breeze rolling in, which made touring the church more comfortable than one might imagine. There are small chapels running alongside the interior of the cathedral for smaller worshipping services, each dedicated to a specific saint. One of the real highlights of the cathedral was the wealth of wildlife navigating the grounds in the park outside.

Overall, it’s a wonderful place to visit if you have an hour to spare and would like a glimpse into the architectural capabilities of the locals.