Nueva Catedral

Lonely Planet review

Just north of Metrocentro Mall is an unforgettable Managua landmark and the hemisphere's newest Nueva Catedral, an architectural marvel that leaves most visitors, well, scratching their heads. It's not a mosque, really: the 63 cupolas (or breasts, or eggs; speculation continues) symbolize Nicaragua's 63 Catholic churches, and also provide structural support during earthquakes - a good thing, since it sits astride a fault line.

The interior is cool, heartfelt and unspectacular, although the shrine on the northwest side is nice. Of the US$45 million used to construct the cathedral, US$3.5 million was donated by avid pro-Lifer Tom Monaghan, owner of Domino's Pizza.