| Registration Classification | cultural heritage |
| Registration Criteria | (2), (4) |
| Year of registration | 2011 |
Leon, a large city in western Nicaragua, has one of the largest cathedrals in Central America.It was built between 1747 and the early 19th century and designed by Guatemalan architect Diego Jose de Porres Esquivel.In terms of architectural style, it represents the transitional period from Baroque to Neoclassical, and the collection includes the masterpiece “The Way to the Cross” by artist Antonio Sarria.
Here, a World Heritage enthusiast explains why Leon Cathedral is a World Heritage Site in an easy-to-understand manner.Read this and you will definitely learn more about Leon Cathedral!
What is León Cathedral?
Although León was founded in the 16th century, the town was destroyed in the 17th century by the eruption of the nearby volcano Momotombo, which forced the entire town to be moved to its current location. The city has since become so important to Nicaragua that it was at one time the capital of the country.
The cathedral was built by Guatemalan architect Diego Jose de Porres Esquivel between 1747 and the early 19th century. It combines a Spanish-style layout with Nicaraguan architectural methods. As an architectural style, it is from the period of transition from Baroque to Neoclassical. The architectural style of the capital city, Antigua Guatemala, can also be seen and is often referred to as the “Antigua Guatemala Baroque” style. Due to the earthquake-prone nature of the land, the buildings are characterized by their wide width and thick towers and other features.
Although the interior is simple in structure, it houses Flemish altarpieces, including the masterpiece “The Way to the Cross” by artist Antonio Sarria.
For what reason is León Cathedral on the World Heritage List?
León Cathedral was recognized for
Registration Criteria (ii)
The cathedral was built in a land prone to earthquakes, which means that it was a perfect fusion of Nicaraguan architectural techniques, such as earthquake resistance, and brilliant Spanish building techniques.
Registration Criteria (iv)
The architect was from Central America, and the cathedral was built according to a uniquely Central American interpretation of Christianity.
Conclusions and Impressions of a World Heritage Maniac
Due to its location in Nicaragua, the building is a fusion of the Nicaraguan architectural style, which considers earthquake resistance, and the beautiful Spanish architectural style. The building also expresses the concept of Christianity in Central America, which is also highly appreciated.
Incidentally, Momotombo, which thoroughly destroyed the old Leon, is a symbolic volcano in Nicaragua, and is popularly referred to as the Japanese equivalent of Mt.Indeed, no matter how much it erupts, no one has a grudge against Mt. Fuji….
*The contents here are considerations derived from research conducted by World Heritage enthusiasts.As for the data, interpretation differs depending on the media.
