Iglesia El Rosario

El Rosario was designed by the sculptor Ruben Martinez and built between 1964 and 1971, and from outside it is a grey concrete barrel vault with almost no ornament, which is why most people walking past do not go in. Inside, the whole curve of the vault is set with coloured glass in bands running through the spectrum, so that the light falling through changes colour along the length of the nave through the day, and the fittings, stations of the cross and sculptures are made from scrap iron and industrial material. Jose Matias Delgado, a figure in the country's independence, is buried here. It is generally regarded as the most significant modern building in the country.

What you actually see

• The coloured vault - the spectrum of glass set into the concrete arch.
• Changing light - the bands of colour moving through the day.
• Scrap-iron fittings - the sculptures and stations made from salvage.
• The plain exterior - the unadorned concrete shell from the plaza.

When to go

November to April for the clearest light. Late morning and afternoon give the strongest colour through the vault. It is a working church, so avoid Mass times for a quiet look.

Honest expectations

The exterior is genuinely unattractive and many visitors nearly miss it. It is a working parish church and services take precedence. Opening hours are not fixed. The surrounding plaza area is busy.

Nearby

The National Palace and cathedral are on the adjoining plazas.