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Church · Paramaribo, Paramaribo
Kathedrale Basiliek Sint Petrus en Paulus
Wooden Catholic cathedral on Gravenstraat, with two towers and 44 metres in height to the cross, built between 1883 and 1901. The interior is entirely Surinamese cedar without paint.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Kathedrale Basiliek Sint Petrus en Paulus
The Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul is Paramaribo's Catholic cathedral and is located on Gravenstraat in the historic center. Construction began in 1883, the church was consecrated in 1885 and the two towers were completed in 1901. It is entirely wooden and is often cited among the largest wooden structures in the Americas, at 44 metres in height up to the bronze cross.
From the outside, the façade has two pointed towers and arched windows. Inside, the nave displays the exposed wood: the interior is of Surinamese cedar without paint, with columns, arches, vaults and pews in the same tone, and light comes through the stained glass. The nave is 14.6 metres high.
The church underwent a long restoration that returned the original wooden structure and finishes, and it once again welcomes worshippers and visitors. As an active church, visiting hours change depending on services.
The cathedral is a ten-minute walk from Palmentuin and Fort Zeelandia, and five minutes from the Mosque and the Synagogue on Keizerstraat, making it possible to combine all in a walk through the center.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
20 to 40 minutes.
Best time
On weekdays, outside service times, when the nave is quieter. Morning light highlights the interior wood. Visiting hours change; check before you go.
How to get there
It is on Gravenstraat in the historic center. From Palmentuin it's about a ten-minute walk; from Keizerstraat, five.
Tip
Notice the columns and vaults: everything is unpainted cedar. Modest dress is appreciated. Combine the visit with the mosque and synagogue on Keizerstraat, just a few blocks away.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Kathedrale Basiliek Sint Petrus en Paulus
Is the Catedral de Paramaribo entirely made of wood?
Yes. The structure and the interior are made of wood, and inside the Surinamese cedar is left unpainted.
Can you visit the cathedral interior?
Yes, outside service times. The schedule changes; confirm before you go.
What is the height of the cathedral?
It is 44 meters to the bronze cross on the tower, and the nave is 14.6 meters high.
Is the cathedral near the mosque and the synagogue?
Yes, about a five-minute walk, on Keizerstraat.