Undoubtedly Matagalpa's most imposing building, the city cathedral seems like many Nicaraguan churches -- completely out of proportion to the size and importance of the city. Built in 1874, this is the third-largest church in all of Nicaragua. It has a brilliant white exterior and a huge, cavernous nave guarded by two massive bell towers. It is decorated in a simple baroque style and contains some beautiful woodcarving and paintings inside. Though the church dominates the entire city skyline, it's best viewed from the city's northern hillside.