Our Lady of Candelaria Parish, San Salvador

Our Lady of Candelaria Parish stands out as the last surviving colonial-era church in the city. Its origins date back to February 2, 1816, making it one of the oldest places of worship still standing today. The original structure was devastated by the 1873 earthquake, prompting a reconstruction completed by 1879. The rebuilt church showcases a blend of architectural finesse and resilience that has endured for over a century.

Crafted with a wooden and sheet-metal frame, the church features a hexagonal tower soaring 18 meters, framed by Corinthian-style columns and intricately carved wooden doors reminiscent of delicate lace. Inside, the interior is organized into three naves separated by 30 Ionic and Tuscan columns, illuminated by bronze lamps and lateral windows.

A unique and fascinating detail: since 2005, the parish has displayed the Blue Shield emblem, a marker of the Hague Convention of 1954, signifying its status as a protected cultural heritage site in case of armed conflict.