Metropolitan Cathedral
Quick Summary
The Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City is a significant landmark, built over nearly 250 years (1573–1813) on the north side of the Zócalo. It showcases a blend of Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical architectural styles, reflecting the dominant periods of colonial Mexico.1
Construction began in the 16th century, and the cathedral features Classical layout elements with Baroque decoration. A notable example is the Altar of the Kings, completed in 1737, which exemplifies the "Ultrabaroque" or Churrigueresque style, characterized by elaborate surface decoration and the use of estipes (foreshortened columns). The cathedral's foundations have faced challenges due to sinking into the lacustrine soil of the Valley of Mexico. It is a major religious site, second only to the nearby shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in terms of pilgrimage.21
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- Jerónimo de Balbás
…of the Kings in the Cathedral of Mexico City. This project introduced the estípite to Mexico, where it quickly spread and became a standard element of the Churrigueresque style of Mexican Baroque architecture, an overwhelmingly decorative and ornate style. The altar in the Chapel of the Kings was a prime…
Read More…of the Kings in the Cathedral of Mexico City. This project introduced the estípite to Mexico, where it quickly spread and became a standard element of the Churrigueresque style of Mexican Baroque architecture, an overwhelmingly decorative and ornate style. The altar in the Chapel of the Kings was a prime…
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Manuel Tolsá…involved the completion of the cathedral in Mexico City, on which he began work in 1793. Notably, he finished the cupola (enlarging it from the original plan), raised the centre of the facade, and decorated the cathedral’s towers. He also made three allegorical sculptures—of Faith, Hope, and Charity—for the top…
Read More…involved the completion of the cathedral in Mexico City, on which he began work in 1793. Notably, he finished the cupola (enlarging it from the original plan), raised the centre of the facade, and decorated the cathedral’s towers. He also made three allegorical sculptures—of Faith, Hope, and Charity—for the top…
Read More