Metropolitan Cathedral

Why go

It is situated atop the former Aztec sacred precinct near the Templo Mayor on the northern side of the Plaza de la Constitución in downtown Mexico City. The cathedral was built in sections from 1573 to 1813 around the original church that was constructed soon after the Spanish conquest of Tenochtitlán, eventually replacing it entirely. Spanish architect Claudio.

What to look for

• Notice how Metropolitan Cathedral relates to the surrounding streets and skyline.
• Look for surviving details that reveal the site's principal historical layer.

The full story

de Arciniega planned the construction, drawing inspiration from Gothic cathedrals in Spain. The cathedral has four facades which contain portals flanked with columns and statues. The two bell towers contain a total of 25 bells. The tabernacle, adjacent to the cathedral, contains the baptistery and serves to register the parishioners. There are two large, ornate alters, a sacristy, and a choir in the cathedral. Fourteen of the cathedral's sixteen chapels are open to the public. After the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, the conquistadors decided to build their church on the site of the Templo Mayor of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan to consolidate Spanish power over the newly-conquered domain. Hernán Cortés and the other conquistadors used the stones from the destroyed temple of the Aztec god of war Huitzilopochtli, principle deity of the Aztecs, to build the church. Juan de Zumárraga, the first Bishop of the first See of the New World, established in the Viceroyalty of New Spain, promoted this church's completion. Altars Altar of Forgiveness. Altar.

Useful to know

• Allow enough time to see Metropolitan Cathedral and its immediate setting without rushing.
• Check current official access information before entering any managed interior.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.