The carved front
Four levels like an altarpiece.
Luis Alfredo Romero — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Luis Alfredo Romero — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Luis Alfredo Romero — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Luis Alfredo Romero — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Luis Alfredo Romero — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Luis Alfredo Romero — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is one of the oldest in Central America, on the central square of Comayagua, the old capital of Honduras. Its front is carved like an altarpiece across four levels and its tower holds a famous old clock. The city has one of the country's most restored colonial centres, and the church is still in use, so visit respectfully. It rose in stages from the sixteenth century and was inaugurated on 8 December 1711 and blessed in 1715. Tradition says its clock was made by Arabs in Spain around 1100 and worked at the Alhambra in Granada before King Philip III had it moved. It is often called the oldest in the Americas, though this is disputed, and it was restored in 2007. The front has columns and cornices in three vertical bands with statues in niches, and to the left a four-storey bell tower with a dome of coloured ceramic and eight bells. Inside are three vaulted naves, four large gilded altars and a Baroque pulpit. The clock's dial shows Roman numerals, with 4 written as IIII. The church is in central Comayagua, 64.8 km in a straight line north-west of Tegucigalpa. Dress modestly, keep quiet and do not walk around during Mass. Ask before taking photos inside. Keep valuables out of sight, use arranged transport from the city and stay in busy areas by day. The city also has a religious art museum.
Four levels like an altarpiece.
Linked with the Alhambra.
A dome of coloured ceramic.
Central square, Comayagua, Honduras
That is the common tradition, and its oldest status is disputed.
It was the capital of Honduras throughout the colonial period.