Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City – The Oldest and Largest Cathedral in Latin America
The Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City is the oldest and largest cathedral in Latin America. Located right at the heart of the city, the cathedral is an imposing structure that demands your attention.
For visitors, it’s just another tourist attraction, but for the locals, it is a symbol and soul of their faith.
This cathedral is also the seat of the Archdiocese of Mexico.
Its complete name is Catedral Metropolitana de la Asuncion de la Santisima Virgen Maria a los cielos. That’s a mouthful, right?
In English, it is translated as Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. Even in English, that is still a mouthful to say. For brevity, it’s simply Metropolitan Cathedral.
The Cathedral stands on a former sacred site of the Aztec. On the right side of the cathedral, you’ll see the descendants of the Aztecs still performing rituals – in exchange for donations, of course.
It took almost three centuries to build this wonderful piece of architecture by a Spanish architect who patterned this similar to the Gothic churches in Spain.
Throughout its construction history, its architectural styles have also changed. There are Gothic, neo-classical, and Baroque styles.
Today, it is the centre of attention (or attraction) that no tourists could skip.
As you can see, the interior is as grand as its exterior.
The high Gothic ceilings, the elaborate altars, paintings, and 16 venerated chapels are impressive.
Everything inside is worth staring at – from its gold altar to its statues and crypts.
What really impressed me most is the 82-feet Altar of the Kings. Goodness! It’s breathtakingly magnificent!
I couldn’t get my eyes off of it for minutes. I had to zoom in and out my camera to see the tiniest details of such imposing work of art!
Visitors are welcome from 8 AM to 8 PM. You can take a photo without a flash. And please be quiet as there are devoted locals/pilgrims who are praying.
Where to Stay in Mexico City
My friend and I stayed at NH Collection Mexico City Reforma in Zona Rosa. We love this area because it is close to bars, restaurants, groceries, shops, public transport, and some interesting places to see. Police officers are ubiquitous in this are, too. The hotel itself is nice and we were given a room with a good view. We can see the Angel of Independence Statue from our room. It takes about 40 minutes on foot to the historic downtown. The staff can also arrange a tour for you if that’s your kind of thing, including going to the Teotihuacan Pyramids. You can book hotels and hostels via Booking, Expedia, TripAdvisor, and HostelWorld.
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