Most Famous Cathedrals In Mexico

Mexico is a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage, and one of the ways to appreciate its history and beauty is to visit its magnificent Cathedrals. Whether you are a religious person or not, you can admire the architecture, art, and symbolism of these sacred places that have witnessed centuries of events and changes. In this Travel Guide, we will introduce you to some of the most famous Cathedrals in Mexico that you should not miss if you are planning to explore this aspect of the mexican culture.

1. Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City (Catedral Metropolitana de México): The Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City is the largest and oldest cathedral in Latin America, and one of the most impressive examples of colonial architecture. It was built over the ruins of the Aztec Templo Mayor, and incorporates elements of Baroque, Neoclassical and Neo-Renaissance styles. The cathedral has 16 chapels, five naves, two towers, four domes and a golden altar. It also houses a crypt with the remains of many archbishops and a museum with religious art and relics.
2. Guadalajara Cathedral (Catedral de Guadalajara): The Guadalajara Cathedral is the symbol of the city and the seat of the Archdiocese of Guadalajara. It was originally built in 1561, but suffered several fires and earthquakes that damaged its structure. The current cathedral dates from 1854, and features a Neoclassical façade with twin towers topped by yellow tiles. The interior has 11 altars, stained glass windows, paintings and sculptures. The cathedral also hosts the relics of several martyrs and saints, including San Juan de Dios and Santa Inocencia.
3. Cathedral of Matehuala (Catedral de Matehuala): The Cathedral of Matehuala is a relatively modern cathedral, built between 1948 and 1963 in the city of Matehuala, San Luis Potosí. It has a striking Gothic Revival style, with pointed arches, flying buttresses, pinnacles and gargoyles. The façade has three portals with statues of saints and angels, and a rose window above the main entrance. The interior has a vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows and a marble altar. The cathedral is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Mary.
4. Cathedral Basilica of Zacatecas (Catedral Basílica de Zacatecas): The Cathedral Basilica of Zacatecas is one of the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture in Mexico, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built between 1729 and 1752 with pink quarry stone, and has a lavish façade with intricate carvings and sculptures. The cathedral has three naves, four domes and two towers. The interior has a Churrigueresque altar, paintings by Miguel Cabrera and Cristóbal de Villalpando, and an organ with more than 4,000 pipes.
5. Morelia Cathedral (Catedral de Morelia): The Morelia Cathedral is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the tallest cathedrals in America. It was built between 1660 and 1744 with pink quarry stone, and has a Baroque exterior with Neoclassical elements. The cathedral has two towers that measure 66 meters high, and a dome that covers the main altar. The interior has five naves, 15 chapels, paintings by Juan Correa and José María Velasco, and an organ with more than 5,000 pipes. The cathedral is famous for its sound and light show that takes place every weekend.
6. Cathedral of Our Lady of Monterrey in Monterrey (Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Monterrey): This is the main church of the Archdiocese of Monterrey and one of the oldest buildings in the city. It was built between 1705 and 1791 in a Baroque style with a Latin cross floor plan. The cathedral has a rich interior decoration with paintings, sculptures and altarpieces. The main altar is dedicated to the Virgin of Monterrey, the patron saint of the city.
7. Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady in Durango in Durango (Catedral Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Durango): This is the seat of the Archdiocese of Durango and one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Mexico. It was built between 1695 and 1715 in a Baroque style with a Latin cross floor plan. The cathedral has a striking façade with two towers and a central niche with a statue of the Virgin Mary. The interior is richly decorated with paintings, sculptures, altarpieces and stained glass windows. The main altar is made of marble and silver and features a painting of the Assumption of Mary.
8. Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Colima (Catedral Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe): This is the main church of the Diocese of Colima and one of the most important religious sites in Mexico. It was built between 1894 and 1909 in a Neoclassical style with a Greek cross floor plan. The cathedral has a majestic façade with four columns and a pediment with a relief of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The interior is elegant and spacious, with marble floors, columns and arches. The dome has a fresco depicting scenes from the life of Mary. The cathedral also has a museum with religious art and relics.
9. Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in Culiacán (Catedral Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Rosario): This is the main church of the Diocese of Culiacán and one of the most modern cathedrals in Mexico. It was built between 1980 and 1985 in a contemporary style with a circular floor plan. The cathedral has a striking exterior with a conical roof and a cross-shaped window. The interior is simple and bright, with white walls, wooden beams and colorful stained glass windows. The main altar has a bronze sculpture of Christ on the cross and a painting of the Virgin of the Rosary.

We hope this Mexico Travel Guide has given you some useful information and inspiration for your trip planning. Don’t forget to follow us on social media and share the most beautiful Cathedrals in Mexico with your friends and family.