Cathedral Santa Maria La Menor, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Cathedral Santa Maria La Menor also known as Catedral Primada de América is a Roman Catholic Cathedral located in the Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The Cathedral Santa Maria La Menor is the oldest cathedral in Americas.

The cathedral was built between 1523 and 1540 although the foundation stone was laid by Diego Colón, son of Christopher Columbus already in 1514. The church was consecrated before its construction was completed, in 1535. It was erected to the cathedral status by Pope Paul III in 1546.


Cathedral Santa Maria La Menor combines elements of both Gothic and Romanesque styles with some lavish Plateresque ornamentation. The cathedral claims it housed the remains of Christopher Columbus (until 1992 when they were then transfered the Columbus Lighthouse) although Seville Cathedral also claims it keeps the remains of the most famous navigator.

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