Built between 1510 and 1540, the first cathedral of the Americas—known as Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica Nuestra Señora de la Encarcación o Anunciación, Primada de América—continues to stand tall in all of its glory over the heart of the Colonial City. The 500-year-old Gothic-style building continues to serve as the most important site for official ceremonies, and religious celebrations. Touring the interior reveals the cathedral’s ornate Gothic ceiling, colonial period oil paintings, sacred chapel rooms, as well as an area with gravestones containing the remains of archbishops. The remains of Christopher Columbus were found here in the 19th century.
