The Magnificent Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City

When countries invade and conquer territories and other countries, they first want to have a symbol of their power in the place. They need to build or acquire something that can always remind the people of who is in power and who -for the current time- has the last word. 

For Spain, that symbol has always been churches and cathedrals. They used Christianity as the weapon they wielded to explain why they would set sail to other lands and proclaim it as theirs. When they reached the Aztec Empire, they built the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City, one of their largest cathedrals and symbols of power.

That vast, magnificent cathedral’s existence has dramatically affected Mexico’s social and religious culture. The Metropolitan Cathedral is Latin America’s first and most enormous Roman Catholic Cathedral. Its indigenous and colonial history makes it one of the most fascinating buildings in the Americas! Built on sacred lands by colonial hands and becoming one of the most important religious buildings in the area, The Metropolitan Cathedral is undoubtedly a must-visit when you land in Mexico.

The History of The Metropolitan Cathedral

Religion can be a source of power. For the Spanish, it was their ticket to conquering other nations, always under the guise of spreading Christianity. Did they also come for natural resources and free labour? Yes, they did. However, that is not what we’re talking about today. Today, we’re talking about the power of religious symbols, mainly churches and cathedrals.

Building The Metropolitan Cathedral

If you look at The Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City, you can tell that this humongous, mesmerising building was not built in a night or two or even a hundred years! With its several bell towers, portals, façades, and chapels, the cathedral has taken 250 years of continuous work to reach its current state! Multiple generations of architects, painters, builders, and governments have participated over the years in building The Metropolitan Cathedral. 

Work on the cathedral started in 1573 and ended in 1813. When the Spanish first conquered the capital of The Aztec Empire, Tenochtitlan, they built a small church on the site of Templo Mayor. Templo Mayor was a significant temple used by the Aztec people to worship several of their gods. The small church was not a big enough symbol of power for the Spanish, so they built a significant cathedral in the style of the Gothic cathedrals in Spain.

Architect Martín de Sepúlveda was the first director -among several in the next 250 years- to lead the project with Juan de Zumárraga as the cathedral’s first bishop. Having been built over multiple decades, the cathedral has very different styles in each building. Every decade, the new architects working on The Metropolitan Cathedral would use the current trending style in their time to build the area they are responsible for. The different styles made the cathedral even more beautiful and symbolised different cultures, times and social classes meeting to create this wonder.

Inside The Metropolitan Cathedral

After 250 years of hard work, the Metropolitan Cathedral was finally completed. It is approximately 59×128 metres and has a height of 67 metres at its longest tower. The cathedral has two bell towers with 25 bells, one central dome, and three main portals. It also contains sixteen chapels, each dedicated to a different saint.

The Metropolitan Cathedral houses several historical pieces, including the two largest 18th-century organs in the Americas. It also includes several paintings, furniture, and sculptures acquired from all over Europe. Under the cathedral, a crypt holds the remains of several archbishops who served in The Metropolitan Cathedral.

Notable Events in The Metropolitan Cathedral

For more than 200 years, the Metropolitan Cathedral has hosted many notable and historical events on its grounds. From coronations to funerals to political disputes, the Cathedral has been the centre of events for many of the most notable events in Latin America’s history.

Coronation of Emperor Agustín I

Agustín de Iturbide was an officer in the Royal Spanish Army during the Mexican War of Independence. At first, he used to fight on the Spanish side until he switched sides and aligned himself with former royalists to help Mexicans gain their independence.

When the war ended, he was proclaimed President of the Regency and later crowned Emperor. He and his wife, Ana María Huarte, were crowned Emperor and Empress of Mexico in 1822. The coronation ceremony took place at The Metropolitan Cathedral, and later, when he was executed, he was also buried at the Chapel of San Felipe de Jesús inside the cathedral.

Funerals and Burials of Mexican Heroes

As one of the most sacred buildings and most prominent cathedrals in Mexico, the Metropolitan Cathedral is where several heroes of Mexican independence were buried. From Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla to José María Morelos and more, these heroes were all buried in the cathedral grounds as a sign of respect from the Mexican people.

The Metropolitan Cathedral Today

Today, the Metropolitan Cathedral is located in the centre of Mexico City, the capital of Mexico. The city centre, along with the cathedral, is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Millions of locals and tourists visit every year to witness the grandeur of the Metropolitan Cathedral and its surrounding area.

As the largest and oldest cathedral in Latin America, the Metropolitan Cathedral is deeply significant in Mexican culture. Despite its colonial origins, Mexicans have turned the cathedral into their own haven. Fourteen of the sixteen chapels in the Metropolitan Cathedral are used by the public for prayers, ceremonies, weddings, and funerals.

Tours of The Metropolitan Cathedral

The Metropolitan Cathedral is open to the public and is open for tours throughout the year. Tourists from all over the globe take walking tours, which allow them to explore the magnificent building, witness its unique architectural style, and learn about its history.

Walking on the marble floors of the aisles and admiring the paintings, the alters, and the engravings makes you feel like you’ve been transported to another time! You can always make a solo visit to the cathedral at any time of the day. However, guided tours are recommended so you can make sure that you visit all the areas open to the public and learn about the vast history of the Metropolitan Cathedral and its significance to Latin Americans.

The Metropolitan Cathedral and its Cultural Significance

The Metropolitan Cathedral is a centre of Mexican culture and heritage. It holds great religious significance to the Mexican people and reminds them of colonial history. Nowadays, it’s the focus of cultural, social, and political activities in Mexico. Despite being closed for four years in 1926 by President Plutarco Elías Calles in an attempt to enforce anti-religious laws, The Metropolitan Cathedral was reopened and regained its place in people’s lives.

Being religious people by nature, Mexicans care a lot for The Metropolitan Cathedral and consider it a symbol of their faith and freedom. Many protests occur around the cathedral, whether in favour of the cathedral and its teachings or against it. The Metropolitan Cathedral has always been and will always be a symbol of Mexican Heritage.

Other Significant Cathedrals in Mexico

Having been heavily influenced by the Spanish, Mexico is a predominantly catholic country with many churches and cathedrals, each more beautiful than the other. From Baroque to Neoclassical, the cathedrals around Mexico have unique and gorgeous architectural designs that reflect the country’s history and culture.

The Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Mexico; however, it is not the only one! Whether you’re Christian or not, religious or not, these cathedrals are a must-visit when you are in Mexico. They speak to the country’s heart and people’s souls and reflect much of their culture. Here are some of the cathedrals we think you should visit when in Mexico:

Cathedral Basilica of Zacatecas, Zacatecas

Built with pink quarry stones, the Cathedral Basilica of Zacatecas is one of the best-preserved Baroque-style cathedrals in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in 1729 and is considered the city’s centrepiece. It is best known for its gorgeously decorated main doors. Even though tourists rarely visit it, the Cathedral Basilica of Zacatecas is well worth the journey, as you won’t see a Baroque style that is well maintained anywhere else!

Guadalajara Cathedral, Guadalajara

Built in the Spanish Renaissance style with New-Gothic spires, Guadalajara Cathedral is instantly recognisable when you enter the city! The cathedral’s twin yellow towers are a sight for the eyes and a main attraction to the city’s skyline. Guadalajara Cathedral contains Mexico’s second-largest French organ; witnessing its sound life is an unforgettable experience!

Church of Santa Prisca, Taxco

Located on the east side of the central plaza in Taxco is the Church of Santa Prisca, a colonial monument that defines the city’s architecture and history. Between 1758 and 1806, the Church of Santa Prisca was the tallest building in Mexico! 

The church is associated with a legend saying a storm hit the city during its building. A lightning bolt struck the church dome, causing it to shine brilliantly. The people of the city were scared demons would demolish their church, so they got to their knees and prayed! A beautiful woman appeared above the church and caught the lighting in her hands, saving their beloved church.

No one knows whether the legend is true. However, it does give the church a mythical history that makes it even more magnificent!

Next time you visit Mexico, visit its gorgeous sandy beaches and eat its delicious food! Make sure you also visit cathedrals, especially the Metropolitan Cathedral. These buildings hold so much of Mexico’s history within their walls, and they will help you immerse yourself in the country’s culture a lot deeper.