The Cathedral Basilica of the Queen of Peace faces the Parque David J. Guzmán at the heart of San Miguel's historic centre. The current neoclassical facade dates from the nineteenth century, though the original colonial church on this site was established in the eighteenth century. The twin towers and the pale yellow exterior are the most photographed view in the city.
Inside, the cathedral is dedicated to Nuestra Señora de la Paz — Our Lady of Peace — El Salvador's patron saint. The interior is relatively austere but cool and quiet, a relief from the heat of the street. The cathedral is open for services throughout the day. The surrounding park is where local life congregates in the evenings: vendors, families, and the usual mix of activity that makes Central American city parks worth sitting in for an hour.