Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral, Catholic cathedral in Paramaribo, Suriname
The Cathedral of San Pedro and San Pablo is a large wooden structure with two prominent towers that blend neoromanesque and neogothic design elements. The building was constructed entirely from cedar wood sourced from the Amazon rainforest, showcasing the craftsmanship of 19th-century construction.
The cathedral was built between 1883 and 1885 and stands as a major religious structure in Paramaribo. It received basilica status from Pope Francis in 2014, becoming the fifth cathedral in the Caribbean to receive this honor.
The cathedral houses the tomb of Peter Donders, a missionary who devoted his life to caring for leprosy patients in Suriname.
The cathedral can be visited on weekdays with varying hours, making morning visits ideal for better light and fewer crowds. It is best to check opening times in advance, as the schedule varies depending on the day of the week.
The structure is remarkable for being built entirely of wood without using a single nail or modern fastening method. This traditional construction technique makes it a rare example of wooden architecture on this scale.
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