Catedral Metropolitana

Lonely Planet review

Construction of this cathedral began in 1573 and took two and a half centuries to complete. Because of its placement atop the ruins of an Aztec temple complex, the massive building has been sinking unevenly since its construction, resulting in fissures and cracks in the structure. While visitors may wander freely, they are asked not to do so during mass.

The cathedral's chief artistic treasure is the gilded 18th-century Altar de los Reyes (Altar of the Kings), behind the main altar. It's a masterly exercise in controlled elaboration and a high point of Churrigueresque style. Also worthy of admiration are the Capilla de los Santos Ángeles y Arcángeles (Chapel of the Holy Angels and Archangels), the gilded Altar de Perdón (Altar of Pardon), the dusky Christ figure of the Señor del Veneno (Lord of the Poison)and the intricately carved late-17th-century wooden choir stalls by Juan de Rojas in the central nave and sacristy, featuring a pair of enormous painted panels.