Catedral Basílica de Zacatecas : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

The Catedral Basílica de Zacatecas, officially known as the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, is one of Mexico’s most exquisite and historic churches. Located in the heart of the city of Zacatecas, the cathedral was built in the early 20th century by a team of German and Mexican architects, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful religious buildings in all of Latin America. Its unique mix of colonial and baroque styles, its intricate and colorful interior decorations, and its towering twin bell towers have earned the cathedral a place on Mexico’s “Plaza de la Paz” and a UNESCO World Heritage designation. Join us as we explore the fascinating history and rich cultural heritage of the Catedral Basílica de Zacatecas, and discover what makes this renowned Mexican landmark so special.

Interesting Facts About Catedral Basílica de Zacatecas

1. The Cathedral Basílica de Zacatecas is one of the oldest churches in the Americas, having been founded in 1580.

2. The cathedral houses a number of historically important pieces of art, including an original painting by Mexican artist Juan Correa and a series of locally-crafted tapestries depicting stories from the Bible.

3. The cathedral is home to the largest pipe organ in Latin America. Constructed in 1961, it has over 4,000 pipes and is considered one of the most modern and advanced organs in the world.

4. The cathedral is home to a unique relic known as La Peregrina, which is believed to be the largest pearl of its kind in the world. It is said to have been discovered by a fisherman off the coast of Mexico and presented to Pope John Paul II during his visit to Zacatecas in 1993.

5. The cathedra features an elaborate, Baroque-style façade composed of enormous spires and ornate decorative accents. Inside, the church has a warm, inviting atmosphere with breathtakingly beautiful stained glass windows and ornate altarpieces.

6. Overlooking the city is a bronze statue of the Virgen de Guadalupe, who stands atop the bell tower of the cathedral.

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History & Information About Catedral Basílica de Zacatecas

Cathedral

Zacatecas Cathedral, also known as Catedral Basílica de Zacatecas, is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zacatecas and is located on the Plaza Miguel Auza in Zacatecas, Mexico. The original structure of the cathedral was built between 1730 and 1760. The structure combined two styles of the Baroque period, Churrigueresque and Neoclassical, and has been called “The Jewel of Zacatecas”.

The church is noted for its elegance and high quality of the decoration, especially in its interior. Its exterior is made of sandstone and the main portal is decorated with floral motifs and rosettes. On the outside, it is decorated with carvings of lion heads, angel heads, gargoyles, winged dragons, and other religious motifs.

Inside the cathedral, one can find numerous oil on canvas paintings from the 16th century, as well as silver and gold wooden altarpieces from the 18th century. The most noteworthy of these is the main altar, made of pink marble in the Churrigueresque style. The painting of the Virgin Mary is from the 1600s and is believed to have been a gift from King Philip II of Spain.

The church is also home to an extensive treasury of sacred art, including works from renowned Mexican painters such as Cristobal de Villalpando, Lee Salas and Jose de Ibarra. In addition, it houses a collection of original bibles, vestments, sculptures and liturgical musical instruments from the colonial era.

The cathedral is still used today for religious services and other events. In 2006, it was declared a National Monument and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It continues to be an important place of spiritual and cultural importance in Zacatecas.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Catedral Basílica de Zacatecas

, Mexico

Overview:

The Catedral Basílica de Zacatecas is a beautiful Neo-classical cathedral located in the center of the city of Zacatecas, Mexico. The cathedral was built between 1730 and 1760 and stands at a dominant position atop a hill, overlooking the city. The cathedral is perhaps the grandest of the colonial buildings in the city, and is certainly the most recognizable symbol of Zacatecas.

Getting There:

The easiest way to get to the Catedral Basílica de Zacatecas is to fly into Zacatecas International Airport, which is located only 12 kilometers away from the city center. Taxis are available from the airport to the cathedral. There are also buses that run from other parts of Mexico into Zacatecas, with stops at various points around the city. Once you’ve arrived in the city, the main plaza where the cathedral is located is very easy to find.

Places to Stay:

Zacatecas has plenty of accommodation options for tourists, ranging from budget hostels to upscale resorts. Some of the top-rated hotels near the Catedral Basílica de Zacatecas include the Hotel San Francisco, Hostel La Posada Inn, La Quinta Inn Zacatecas Centro and many others.

Things to Do:

The Catedral Basílica de Zacatecas is a stunning work of architecture and well worth visiting. The cathedral is open for visitors on weekdays and weekends, and the admission fee is very reasonable. Take the time to explore the cathedral’s Baroque interior, admire the stained glass windows and marvel at the ornate furnishings. Just outside the cathedral is the Plaza de Armas, a lovely open space with fountains and monuments that’s an ideal spot for people watching and taking in the stunning views of the city below. Be sure to check out the Mercado de Abastos, an underground market that’s full of delightful Mexican food stalls. Other nearby attractions include the San Francisco Mines Museum, the Museo Regional Guadalupe Espinosa and the Fuerte de Calvario, a colonial fortress.

Dining:

The center of Zacatecas is full of delicious restaurants that are perfect for trying the local cuisine. Some of the most popular restaurants located near the Catedral Basílica de Zacatecas include Los Milagros Restaurante, La Abadía de los Platillos, El Candil Restaurante and La Parrilla Zacatecas. There are also plenty of great cafes and street food stalls around the area, making it easy to find something to satisfy your cravings.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Catedral Basílica de Zacatecas

Q: Where is the Catedral Basílica de Zacatecas located?

A: The Catedral Basílica de Zacatecas is located in the city of Zacatecas in Zacatecas, Mexico.

Q: What is the church’s history?

A: The Catedral Basílica de Zacatecas was built in the 17th century as the main religious structure of the city of Zacatecas. The church was consecrated in 1752 and was declared a Basílica Minor by Pope Pius XI in 1923. The structure has undergone several renovations throughout its history, with the most recent occurring in 2009.

Q: When are services held at the Catedral Basílica de Zacatecas?

A: The Basílica offers Mass every day at 7:00 am, 10:00 am, and 6:00 pm, as well as other devotional services according to the traditional Mexican calendar.

Q: Are there any other historic structures near the Catedral Basílica de Zacatecas?

A: Yes, the city of Zacatecas is home to several other historic structures, including the Calzada de los Hombres Ilustres (“Avenue of the Illustrious Men”), the Torreón de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (“Tower of Our Lady of Guadalupe”), and the Palacio de Gobierno (“Government Palace”).

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