La Asunción Cathedral facts for kids
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is a very important church in La Asunción, Nueva Esparta state, Venezuela. It's on Margarita Island. This cathedral is the main church for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Margarita. Its building started in 1570, making it the oldest church in Venezuela.
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History of the Cathedral
A church was first built here between 1570 and 1571. This makes the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption the oldest church in Venezuela. It is also one of the first churches built in the Americas. A priest named Juan de Manzanillo, from the Dominican order, started its construction.
However, the first church was later destroyed by French Lutherans. By 1602, the cathedral was in ruins. Work to rebuild the church began again in 1609. The new cathedral was finally finished eleven years later, in 1621.
Because of its age and special design, the church was named a Historic National Monument of Venezuela in 1960. This means it's a protected and important building for the country.
The cathedral is also the main church for the Diocese of Margarita. This special church area was created by Pope Paul VI on July 18, 1969.
What the Cathedral Looks Like
The cathedral is located in Plaza Bolivar, which is a square with many trees. The church has a rectangular shape and strong stone walls. The main part of the cathedral is about 17 meters wide and 48 meters long. Inside, there are two rows of very large columns. These columns are in a simple, strong style called "Tuscan." They help hold up the roof.
Outside the church, there is a special bell tower. This tower is unique, and its bells are now kept safely in the plaza. The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is one of the most important religious buildings on Margarita Island. People come here to worship the Virgin of La Asunción.
The cathedral has a simple look both outside and inside. But its left side tower is very old, dating back to 1599. This makes it the oldest tower of its kind in Venezuela. The front entrance of the church is built in a beautiful style called "Renaissance." For a long time, until the 1800s, this church was seen as a perfect example of how churches should be built.
Bishops of the Cathedral
As of August 2025, the current bishop of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is Bishop Fernando José Castro Aguayo. He has been in this important role since the summer of 2015.
Before Bishop Castro Aguayo, several other bishops led the diocese:
- Bishop Francisco de Guruceaga Iturriza served until 1973.
- Bishop Tulio Manuel Chirivella Varela served from 1974 to 1982.
- Bishop César Ramón Ortega Herrera served from 1983 to 1998.
- Bishop Rafael Ramón Conde Alfonzo served from 1999 to 2008.
- Bishop Jorge Anibal Quintero Chacón served from 2008 to 2014.
Annual Festival
The most important celebration at the cathedral happens every year on August 15. This day celebrates the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. During this festival, people hold a special procession, and a religious service (mass) is offered inside the church. It's a big event for the community.
See also
In Spanish: Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (La Asunción) para niños
- Catholic Church in Venezuela
- List of cathedrals in Venezuela
