Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica Church
Catholic cathedral and basilica in Hagatna (Guam)
In Hagatna, Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica serves as Guam's principal Catholic church; visitors note its Spanish-colonial architecture, parish services and central location in the town.
Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica at a Glance#
Address: Hagatna (formerly Agana), Guam
Hours: Daily (open times vary with services)
Admission: Free to visit (Catholic cathedral services open to the public)
About Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica#
The Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica is the cathedral church located in Hagåtña, Guam, and serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Agana. It is the principal Catholic church on the island.
The building functions for regular liturgical services and diocesan events and contains religious art and ecclesiastical furnishings associated with the cathedral role. Its status as a basilica denotes a special canonical designation within the Catholic Church.
The parish traces its origins to the Spanish colonial period on Guam and the church has been reconstructed and repaired through successive eras, including rebuilding after substantial wartime damage in the mid 20th century.
The cathedral stands in central Hagåtña near the municipal plaza and other civic landmarks.
- Ecclesiastical role: Serves as the cathedral and principal church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Agana, making it the seat of the archbishop on Guam.
How to Get to Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica#
The cathedral is in central Hagatna (Agana), the territorial capital. It is a short drive from the main coastal road (Marine Corps Drive) and easily reached by taxi from Guam’s Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport.
Tips for Visiting Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica#
- Check Mass times on the cathedral noticeboard or diocesan website if planning to attend a service.
- The cathedral is an active parish - respectful dress and quiet are expected during services and prayer times.
- Combine a visit with a walk through downtown Hagatna to see Spanish‑era plazas and Chamorro cultural markers.
Best Time to Visit Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica#
Dry season (Dec-May) for most comfortable weather and easier travel around the island.
Weather & Climate near Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica#
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2265 mm/year), wettest in August.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 23° - 29° | 26° | 116 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 23° - 29° | 26° | 95 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 24° - 29° | 27° | 75 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 24° - 30° | 27° | 79 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 25° - 31° | 28° | 130 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 25° - 31° | 28° | 160 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 24° - 30° | 27° | 250 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 24° - 30° | 27° | 360 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 24° - 30° | 27° | 318 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 24° - 30° | 27° | 304 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 25° - 30° | 27° | 221 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 24° - 29° | 27° | 157 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |