Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Managua (must see)

The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is located in Managua. It was dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Maria. Construction began in 1991 in substitution of the Old Cathedral of Managua or Cathedral of Santiago. The old cathedral was damaged and thought to be unrestoreable after a 1972 earthquake that destroyed 90% of the city.

The cathedral was designed by architect Ricardo Legorreta. Construction to build the cathedral began around August 1991 and it was inaugurated on September 4, 1993. The cost of the newly built cathedral was estimated at $4.5 million dollars. The new cathedral has created much controversy, particularly about its architectural style and finance. Locals refer to it as La Chichona on account of the plethora of cupolas adorning it like so many "chiches" (Spanish: slang for breasts).