San Salvador is the capital and the biggest city of El Salvador, a Central American country with a rich and diverse heritage. Here are some of the activities and attractions that you can enjoy in San Salvador:
- Explore the Historic Downtown of San Salvador: This area has many historical and architectural landmarks, such as the Iglesia El Rosario, a modern church with colorful stained glass windows, the Catedral Metropolitana, where the tomb of Archbishop Oscar Romero is located, and the Teatro Nacional, a neoclassical theater that hosts cultural events.
- Visit the Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo: This monument, which depicts Jesus Christ standing on a globe, is the symbol of San Salvador and El Salvador. It is located in the Plaza de las Americas, a popular spot for locals and tourists.
- Enjoy the Natural Beauty of Lake Ilopango: This lake, which is located about 15 km east of San Salvador, is the largest lake in the country and a volcanic caldera. You can enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, kayaking, and scuba diving in its clear waters.
- Experience the Culture and Cuisine of San Salvador: San Salvador has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, restaurants, and cafes to choose from. You can also taste the local delicacies, such as pupusas, corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans, or meat, and curtido, a spicy cabbage salad. You can also visit Mercado Central, a large indoor market where you can find handicrafts, souvenirs, fruits, vegetables, and more.
- Discover the Art and History of the Museo de Arte de El Salvador: This museum, which is located in a former mansion, showcases the works of Salvadoran and international artists from different periods and styles. You can admire paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations that reflect the social and political realities of El Salvador.
- Relax and Shop at the Multiplaza Mall: This mall, which is one of the largest and most modern in Central America, offers a variety of shops, restaurants, cinemas, and entertainment options for all ages. You can find local and international brands, as well as a supermarket, a pharmacy, a bank, and more.
San Salvador is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, nature, art, or cuisine, you will find plenty of things to do and see in this dynamic and diverse city.
Explore the Historic Downtown of San Salvador
If you want to discover the history and culture of San Salvador, you should visit its historic downtown. This area has been the heart of the country since the 16th century, and it has many landmarks that show its past and present.
Some of the attractions that you can see in the historic downtown of San Salvador are:
- The National Palace: This magnificent building, which was declared a National Monument in 1980, was built with money from coffee exports. It has four courtyards, each with a different architectural style, and it hosts several government offices and museums.
- The National Theater: This neoclassical theater, which was opened in 1917, is the oldest theater in Central America. It has a beautiful facade, a marble staircase, a stained glass dome, and a mural by Salvadoran artist Carlos Cañas. It hosts cultural events such as concerts, plays, and ballets.
- The Metropolitan Cathedral: This impressive church, which was finished in 1999, is the main cathedral of El Salvador. It has a modern design, with a white facade and a blue cross. It contains the tomb of Archbishop Oscar Romero, a martyr of human rights who was killed in 1980.
- The Iglesia El Rosario: This unique church, which was built in 1971, is considered a masterpiece of modern art. It has a concrete structure, with no windows or columns. Instead, it has colorful stained glass windows that create a rainbow effect inside. It also has sculptures and paintings by Salvadoran artists.
- The Plaza Gerardo Barrios: This square, which is named after a former president of El Salvador, is one of the most emblematic places in the city. It has a monument to Barrios, who fought for Central American unity, and it is surrounded by historic buildings such as the National Palace and the National Theater.
- The Plaza Libertad: This square, which is also known as Plaza Mayor, is the oldest square in the city. It was founded in 1546 when San Salvador was relocated to its current location. It has a monument to the heroes of independence, and it is the site of many political and social events.
The historic downtown of San Salvador is a place where you can enjoy the beauty and diversity of the city. You can learn about its history, admire its architecture, enjoy its culture, and taste its cuisine.
One of the sights that you can see in San Salvador is the Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo or the Monument to the Divine Savior of the World. This monument is a symbol of El Salvador and its patron saint, Jesus Christ.
It is located on Plaza El Salvador del Mundo, or the Savior of the World Plaza, near downtown San Salvador.
The monument was built in 1942, on a pedestal that was originally used to decorate the tomb of Manuel Enrique Araujo, a former president of El Salvador. The statue was damaged in the 1986 San Salvador earthquake, but it was rebuilt and put back in place months later.
The monument is a landmark that identifies and represents both El Salvador and Salvadorans throughout the world. It is also a place where many cultural and religious events take place, such as festivals, parades, and pilgrimages. The plaza also has a statue of Oscar Arnulfo Romero, a human rights activist and archbishop who was killed in 1980.
The Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundois a place where you can appreciate the beauty and faith of El Salvador. You can also learn about its history, politics, and society.