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Mexico is the center of many beautiful and impressive cathedrals that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The local places of worship fully express the degree of devotion of the Mexican people, and allows for a greater connection between local traditions and history. In view of the different styles of architecture, we would like to present some of the most beautiful cathedrals in Mexico.
1. Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City
First, it is worth mentioning a place of worship that is located on the ruins of the ancient Temple of the Sun. This is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City, located in the historic center of the city. In addition, many consider it as one of the most outstanding architectural elements within the art of Latin America.
The first stone of this construction was laid in 1524 by Hernán Cortés, specifically on the site where the Aztec temple of Tenochtitlán was located. Today, the building is one of the greatest works of colonial architecture and is positioned as the largest cathedral in Mexico.
2. Guadalajara Cathedral
Likewise, the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of Mary Most Holy is located in the center of the city of Guadalajara and is an icon for the city. It was erected in 1561 by order of King Philip II of Spain. Later, over the years it has undergone several modifications due to earthquakes.
Even in the 19th century, newer towers had to be erected, since the original ones fell after the earthquake of 1818. Today, there is a great variety of styles that characterize this facility, making it one of the most beautiful in Mexico.
3. Cathedral of Matehuala
This cathedral is one of the most visited tourist sites in the city of Matehuala, in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. It has a series of impressive blue rock walls, which reminds us of the French church of Saint Joseph Brotteaux.
This church was the inspiration for the creation of the cathedral of Matehuala. Among its main characteristics, the neo-Gothic and neo-Byzantine styles stand out, which marks a great difference from the architecture found in other cities in Mexico.
4. Morelia Cathedral
It has a height of 66.8 meters, and is a church that has positioned itself as one of the main religious icons in the city of Morelia. Its towers are very striking, and from them you can see the whole city, as well as images such as the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It also has a baroque style pipe organ, which is the second largest in Mexico.
5. Zacatecas Cathedral
This cathedral was built by Domingo Ximénez Hernández between 1731 and 1752. It was consecrated in 1841 by Francisco García Diego. It has a tower on the south side, which was erected in 1785, but the construction of the north side was not completed until the early twentieth century.
In its internal area, we can find altars and neoclassical representations, along with carvings on the columns and arches. Its front aspect makes it stand out among the other local buildings, and it was built in pink quarry stone.
6. Merida Cathedral
Also known as the Cathedral of Yucatan, it not only ranks as one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Mexico; it is also the first cathedral to be erected in the Americas, second only to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. In addition, many Mexican myths and legends have arisen around this facility. Many say that there is a water reservoir underneath, or that it has secret passages.
7. Oaxaca Cathedral
This temple stands out for the fact that its construction was modeled after the cathedrals in Mexico City and Puebla. However, it has its own touch of originality, which allows it to be among the most beautiful cathedrals in Mexico.
Because of the earthquakes that have hit it, it has been remodeled and enlarged on more than one occasion until the 20th century. It also stands out for the fact that it has a baroque style façade, which is framed between the two towers, and in its interior there are many relics and remarkable paintings.
8. Metropolitan Cathedral of Monterrey
Its construction began in 1626, and took many years to be completed. For this reason, in its interior and exterior you can observe styles such as baroque, which covers its entire facade, and neoclassical. There are different heights that define this cathedral, while at the same time it is brimming with countless colors.
9. Cathedral of Cuernavaca
This is another of the religious architectures that is located in the list of the most beautiful cathedrals in Mexico. It is located in Cuernavaca, the capital of Morelos. Although it is true that it stands out for its beauty, this monastery is one of the first that still dates back to the 16th century.
It has even been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It was founded by the first Franciscan friars who arrived in Mexico, making it one of the oldest churches in America.
10. The Cathedral of Puebla
It is also known as Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. It has a series of lateral towers that measure more than 69 meters high. By visiting this cathedral, we can see the best views of the city of Puebla, and even observe the volcanoes in the area. It is enough to make a visit to the town to enjoy all the secrets of the cathedral.
With what we have analyzed so far, there is no doubt that the most beautiful cathedrals in Mexico can leave a mark in our minds. Therefore, it is worth visiting and making the most of an experience that we will never forget.
