Catedral Emperatriz de Santa Elena, Catholic cathedral in Santa Elena, Ecuador

The Catedral Emperatriz de Santa Elena stands on Parque Vicente Rocafuerte in central Santa Elena. Built of wood and cement in a colonial style, it was reconfigured in 1970 and seats more than 300 people. Its front interior walls are made of small blocks of compacted shells, and the main altar holds a carved wooden mural showing birds, people and fish around the figure of God.

The cathedral is named after Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, who according to tradition found the cross of Christ. On 18 August 1531, the feast day of Saint Helena, Francisco Pizarro founded and took possession of the site. The building was reconfigured in 1970, and in 2015 the Santa Elena cabildo restored it for $200,000.

The wooden altar carries a mural showing birds in the sky, people on land, and fish in the sea, with God at the center. This image connects the daily life of coastal people to a religious vision of creation.

The cathedral serves as the seat of the Episcopal Vicariate of Santa Elena, so religious services take place here on a regular basis. Visiting outside of service times is generally possible, but checking the local schedule in advance is a good idea.

The tabernacle is shaped like a conch shell with a pearl at its center, drawing on the sea world that defines life along this coast. This detail brings together the fishing tradition of the local community and the religious heart of the building.