The largest cathedral in Central America is Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary (León Cathedral) in Nicaragua, the construction of which lasted half a century from 1747 to 1814. The snow-white building that is both strict and elegant is one of the architectural symbols of León city.

It is located in the heart of the city, next to the city hall and the central market. You can visit the temple with a guided tour, take a look at an excellent example of Nicaraguan architecture, and enjoy beautiful views from the roof of the building.

The cathedral served as a tomb for many famous people of Nicaragua. This place was a prestigious burial place even during construction: when the building was still under construction, a rich family bought a place for a grave in the underground. The funds were spent so that part of them went to the construction and later to the maintenance of the building. The most recognizable burial is the grave of Rubén Darío, the most famous poet in Nicaragua: the grave in the centre of the cathedral is protected by a mourning stone lion.

During construction, the seismological features of the area were taken into account: seven compartments were equipped under the building to ensure safety in the event of an earthquake. At various times, the rooms were used for storing treasures. One of the rooms had access to a system of tunnels that connected several temples. In case of danger, the compartments made it possible to move from one place to another beneath the ground. Once the cunning system worked: the treasures, stored there, were saved from pirates thanks to the passages under the temples. Three of the seven compartments are available for visitors: they can be accessed with a guide.

So, the catacombs of the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary keep their secrets, and the roof reveals the invisible from the street. However, even if you are not going underground or climb to the domes, it is still worth visiting the cathedral. Inside, there is an elegant decoration as well as many attributes, sculptures, and valuable objects that give the interior an aristocratic and solemn appearance.

In 2011, the temple was included in the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.