Henck Arron Straat 22-24, Paramaribo, Suriname
Mon-Fri: 6.00am - 1.30pm
Sat: 8.00am - 1.00pm
Sun: 8.30am - 12 noon
St. Peter and Paul Cathedral is one of the most recognisable landmarks of the capital city of Suriname, being the largest wooden structure in the Western Hemisphere. Construction of the cathedral began in 1882. It was consecrated three years later, but the towers weren't completed until 1901.
It may not be obvious, but there are three bells installed in the west tower, weighing 222 kg, 413 kg and 827 kg.
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| With the help of the European Union, a major restoration was carried out from 2007 to 2010. |
There's an interesting-looking decorative stone just outside the cathedral.
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| Vrede en Alle Goeds literally means 'Peace and All Good'. |
Back in 1826, the Catholic congregation in the city adapted De Verrenze Phoenix, a former Dutch Jewish theatre built in 1809, into a church. When it became too small to cater to the growing number of believers, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Paramaribo ordered the erection of the cathedral.
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| I suppose those are the names of major donators. |
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| The cathedral was designated as a minor basilica by Pope Francis in 2014. |
The cathedral, which interior is built of unpainted Surinamese cedar, can accommodate approximately 900 people.
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| It's such a pity that many of the pipes of the organ have been stolen over the years. |
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| The main hall is 14.6 m tall, while the towers rise up to 44 m including the bronze crosses. |
Did you know that the building once fell into a shabby state due to a poorly done restoration in 1977, encountering problems with tilting and termite attacks?
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| Always a poignant image of Jesus on the lap of Mary after his crucifixion... |
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| The remains of Peter Donders, a leading priest in the past, were consecrated and placed there. |
It's possible to have a guided tour of the cathedral upon prior request to the secretariat.
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