El Rosario Church is a spectacular realm of color that stands out as one of the ecclesiastical highlights of the Americas. Its arched roof contains a rainbow of colorful glass that allows light to fill the church. Admire the bright hues that shine on the altar and the redbrick interior wall in this postmodern religious site.
The church’s exterior looks like a bunker or warehouse with an unusual arched shape, offering no clues of the heavenly show of color within. For the best and most vibrant light, visit at sunrise or sunset and admire the way the blues, greens, yellows and reds bounce off the metal and rock of the church’s interior. On one of the walls, the colored glass gives the appearance of a large eye that is visible on sunny days.
Capture photos of the glass windows and enjoy the unobstructed views of the church’s interior, which was constructed without pillars. Among the highlights is the exceptional abstract version of the traditional Stations of the Cross, using only hands and arms to represent Christ. Notice the black-and-white checked floor, which complements the redbrick wall.
Learn about the history of this structure, which still has bullet holes in its concrete façade from the civil war of the 1980s. The so-called father of Central American independence, Padre Delgado, is buried in this church.
The structure was designed by architect Ruben Martinez and completed in 1971. Note that it is open to the public daily from morning until late afternoon and it is free to enter.
El Rosario Church is on the eastern flank of the Plaza Libertad in the historic center of San Salvador. Ride a bus to the stops on the north or south side of the church. Visit nearby attractions, including the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Salvador, the National Theater and the National Palace.
