Cathedral of Mexico City : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 20 Jun, 2023
- |
The Cathedral of Mexico City stands proudly on the edge of the Zocalo plaza, one of the grandest architectural masterpieces of the central area. Built between 1563 and 1813, this awe-inspiring facade is surrounded by history and legend. Take a step back in time as you explore the many facets of the Cathedral. From its awe-inspiring architecture, unique statues, and inspiring murals, to interesting facts, including its secrets and uncommon trivia, the Cathedral of Mexico City has something to offer everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore the various interesting facts, provide information on its history and beauty, and offer a travel guide to get the most out of your visit. Let’s embark on a journey to discover the secrets hidden beneath the surface of this amazing cathedral.
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Cathedral of Mexico City
1. The Cathedral of Mexico City was built on the ruins of what used to be the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. When the Spanish first arrived, they began building the Cathedral of Mexico City on top of the ruins.
2. It took almost two centuries to complete the entire construction of the Cathedral. The main building was restructured several times due to different conditions including the devastating earthquakes it’s been through.
3. Mexico City’s Cathedral is one of the largest in the world and is even bigger than St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican!
4. The interior of the cathedral is ornately decorated with paintings and pictures depicting Christianity and the early conquest of Mexico City by the Spanish.
5. Inside the basement of the Cathedral is a crypt which houses the remains of many former archbishops.
6. The bell tower of the Cathedral was constructed in 1792 and is one of the most visited parts of the church.
7. The main entrance of the Cathedral has magnificent altarpieces including a famous painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
8. The Cathedral of Mexico City also features a courtyard with several chapels, a library and multiple sculptures of different saints.
9. The Cathedral has a rose window above the main entrance which was built in the 16th century and is one of the most recognizable features of the church.
10. The Cathedral of Mexico City has managed to survive multiple natural disasters such as earthquakes and despite its age, it continues to be one of the most important religious and historical landmarks in Mexico.
History & Information About Cathedral of Mexico City
The Cathedral of Mexico City is the largest and most important cathedral in Latin America. It is located in the historic center of the city at the Plaza de la Constitución, in the Barrio de Santiago, and is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mexico City.
The Cathedral of Mexico City was constructed between 1573 and 1813 under the Viceroy of New Spain, Don Luis de Velasco II. The main structure was built in the Baroque style, but the towers and façade were added in the neoclassical style during the 19th century. The exterior of the cathedral was built using Talavera tiles, which are blue glazed earthenware pottery, and tezontle, a porous red stone.
The interiors of the cathedral are filled with a variety of artwork, sculptures, and altarpieces. Most of the artwork is Baroque in style and depicts saints, religious figures, and Biblical stories. Some of the most notable pieces include the large painting of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary by Rubens, which hangs behind the main altar. There is also the painting of the Descent of the Holy Spirit by Miguel Cabrera.
The Cathedral of Mexico City is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, and is considered to be a symbol of Mexico’s faith and culture. Today, it is still used for religious services and is an important tourist attraction. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the top tourist attractions in Mexico City.
- Catedral Metropolitana de Guadalajara : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- Catedral Basílica de Toluca : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- Catedral Metropolitana de Monterrey : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
Travel Guide For Visiting Cathedral of Mexico City
Overview
The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary in Mexico City is one of the most impressive and iconic landmarks in Latin America. It was built in 1573 and is the largest cathedral in the Americas. It is home to the Archbishop of Mexico City and has sections with stunning Baroque and Renaissance architecture. It is the spiritual home of Catholics in Mexico and is visited by millions of locals and tourists each year.
What to See
Visiting the cathedral is free and the interior is breathtaking. You will be able to admire the main altar and the surrounding marble and carved stone. The choir and its four chapels are also worth exploring. You can admire the Baroque sculptures on the exterior of the building and climb the 248 steps of the bell tower for a great view of the city.
What to Do
You can take part in daily Mass or a special Mass service. You can also attend sacred concerts, conducted inside the cathedral. There are often special exhibitions about the history of the cathedral and Mexico City.
How to Get There
The cathedral is located in the downtown area of the city, near the main square of Zócalo. You can take the Metrobus 1 from the nearby station of Bellas Artes. The closest Metro station is Zócalo, just 2 stops away.
Where to Stay
There are many places to stay near the cathedral. You can find some of the best hotels in Mexico City within walking distance, such as the W Hotel, the St. Regis, and the Westin. There are also several hostels and Airbnb options nearby.
When to Go
The best time to visit the cathedral is during the day. It is open from 7 am to 6 pm. For special events, like Masses or concerts, you will need to check the official website before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cathedral of Mexico City
Metropolitan Cathedral
Q: Where is the Cathedral of Mexico City located?
A: The Cathedral of Mexico City is located in the historic center of Mexico City at 22 Zocalo Square.
Q: What is the oldest part of the Cathedral of Mexico City?
A: The oldest part of the Cathedral of Mexico City is the bell tower, which was built in 1512.
Q: What is the size of the Cathedral of Mexico City?
A: The Cathedral of Mexico City is approximately 5,000 square meters (53,820 sq ft).
Q: How many chapels are in the Cathedral of Mexico City?
A: There are 16 chapels in the Cathedral of Mexico City.
Q: Does the Cathedral of Mexico City offer guided tours?
A: Yes, the Cathedral of Mexico City offers guided tours of the church as well as special tours of its collection of art and artifacts.