Metropolitan Cathedral

Construction began in 1571 for this immense cathedral, the largest in Latin America as a matter of fact. This impressive landmark will be completed nearly three centuries later, which explains the mix of architectural styles reflecting the different eras of its construction. Especially the Baroque façade, alongside its two Neoclassical towers which each soar 64 meters high, making the cathedral a true architectural masterpiece. It was Hernán Cortés, leader of the Spanish conquistadors, who laid the stone of the very first church built here in 1524. The original church, built using stones from the Templo Mayor, was elevated to cathedral status by Pope Clement VII under the orders of Emperor Charles V. Eventually deemed too small, it was demolished in 1571 to make way for this far bigger structure. The inside is a treasure trove revealing remarkable paintings and sculptures, fourteen chapels, two grand pipe organs, and an impressive central dome. Though it’s hard to spot at first sight, this monumental cathedral actually leans slightly to one side—and it’s not the only building in the city with this characteristic. In fact, Mexico City was built atop a former lake and marshy environment. You’ve probably noticed that the ground is still unstable to this day, which is why some buildings are slowly sinking. As a result, they frequently go under maintenance and restoration to avoid deterioration—the cathedral included. Anyway, I advise you to step inside this extraordinary landmark and take your time admiring it from all angles!