The Catholic cathedral of Matanzas, facing its own square a short walk from the Plaza de la Vigía. The current structure dates mostly from the 19th century, with a single tower and a plain but dignified facade that reflects the functional religious architecture of colonial Cuba. The interior is cool and quiet — a good refuge on a hot afternoon.
The cathedral is the seat of the Diocese of Matanzas and holds regular services. It lacks the ornate colonial interiors of Havana's churches but has a genuine working character that the better-known tourist churches sometimes lack.