Metropolitan Cathedral

The metropolitan cathedral, in Mexico City

The metropolitan cathedral of Mexico City is the largest cathedral of Latin America, whose construction spread over nearly three centuries, dominating the Zócalo with its two towers of sixty-four metres. The Mexico City audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this sanctuary raised on the vestiges of the Aztec Templo Mayor, a major witness of the religious and architectural history of the country.

The largest cathedral of Latin America

It is in 1571 that began the construction of this immense cathedral, the largest of Latin America. It took nearly three centuries to complete this impressive monument, that thus reveals several architectural styles according to the various periods of its construction. Its façade presents a very beautiful baroque style, mingled with the neoclassical of its two towers that culminate at sixty-four metres and make it a true masterpiece. It is Hernán Cortés, chief of the conquistadors, who laid the first stone of the very first church raised here, in 1524. It must be recalled with gravity: it was built in part thanks to the stones of the Aztec Templo Mayor, destroyed during the conquest, on the vestiges of which the sanctuary rises. Raised to the rank of cathedral by Pope Clement VII, under the orders of Charles V, it soon became too narrow and was demolished in 1571 to be replaced by this one, much more imposing. Inside, to be discovered in contemplation, the sanctuary reveals fourteen chapels, two monumental organs, a central dome and remarkable paintings and sculptures, including precious gilded altarpieces. A place of faith and memory in the heart of the capital, the cathedral testifies, with respect, to the upheavals of Mexican history. A monumental cathedral and a historic sanctuary, the metropolitan cathedral is discovered with respect.

What to see

Here you discover, with respect, the largest cathedral of Latin America, whose construction lasted nearly three centuries from 1571, mingling baroque and neoclassical under two towers of sixty-four metres; raised on the vestiges of the Aztec Templo Mayor, it shelters fourteen chapels, two monumental organs, a great dome and precious gilded altarpieces. The metropolitan cathedral dominates the Zócalo of Mexico City. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The metropolitan cathedral stands on the Zócalo, in the heart of the historic centre of Mexico City, reachable on foot or by metro. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect; entry and hours follow the conditions in force and may be restricted during services. It is best to enquire before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Why did the construction of the cathedral of Mexico City last so long?

Because it took nearly three centuries, from 1571, to complete this monument, that thus mingles several styles, from the baroque of the façade to the neoclassical of the towers; the largest cathedral of Latin America was raised on the vestiges of the Aztec Templo Mayor and shelters fourteen chapels, two organs and a great dome.

Where is the metropolitan cathedral in Mexico City?

On the Zócalo, in the heart of the historic centre of Mexico City, in Mexico.