Getting to El Rosario Church is easy if you’re already downtown exploring other landmarks like the National Theater or National Palace, and there are tours available to see them all. There are even layover and shore excursion tours that will take you around the historic center’s sites during your stopover.
The gray exterior is lackluster compared to the interior, making it easy to overlook from the street.
The church is the final resting place of José Matías Delgado, leader of the independence movement in El Salvador.
Take note of the unique Stations of the Cross sculptures that were formed from the church’s recycled construction materials.
El Rosario Church is located at 6º Avenida Sur El, 4 Calle Ote in San Salvador’s downtown historic center. Taxis run throughout the city and buses stop on the same block as the church at Parada Plaza Libertad and Punto de Microbuses Ruta 140. If you’re exploring the historic district on foot, you’ll find El Rosario Church next to Liberty Plaza.
El Rosario Church’s stained-glass elements lend the interior a vibrancy of dancing colors at all times of day, and the space is particularly atmospheric during early morning and late in the day. Just be mindful that this is an active place of worship, and check the schedule prior to visiting.
El Rosario Church is far from the only church in El Salvador with an interesting history; in fact, it’s not even the only one on the street. Three blocks west is the Metropolitan Cathedral, which houses the remains of Archbishop Oscar Romero. This place of worship, with a stunning white facade, is another ornate church worth visiting in San Salvador’s historic center.