Queen Mary Cathedral, Barranquilla

The cathedral in Barranquilla is a Catholic church in the city center that stands out for its modern design with a bell-shaped floor plan. The building rises on several levels and offers space for thousands of worshippers beneath a tall vaulted roof.

Work began in the mid-twentieth century following plans by an Italian architect and stretched across nearly three decades. Several changes to the design delayed completion until the eighties.

The name honors Mary as queen, and the congregation gathers beneath a large sculpture of Christ that dominates the main space. Italian mosaics on the walls depict religious scenes that draw the eye of worshippers during services.

The entrance faces Plaza de la Paz in downtown Barranquilla, where several streets converge. The main hall is large enough for several thousand visitors, and the seating spreads across multiple sections.

The altar takes the form of an anvil and is carved from marble, an unusual symbol in Catholic churches. The stained glass windows were designed by a local artist and show motifs from Christian tradition.