Cathedral

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  • Address
    Plaza de Armas, btwn Morelos & Av Hidalgo, Av 16 de Septiembre, city center
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Lonely Planet review

Guadalajara's twin-towered cathedral is the city's main symbol and most conspicuous landmark. Begun in 1558 and consecrated in 1618, it's almost as old as the city. Up close you can see that the cathedral is a stylistic hodgepodge. The exterior decorations, some of which were completed long after the consecration, are Churrigueresque, baroque and neoclassical, among other styles.

The cathedral's towers date from 1848 and are much higher than the originals, which were destroyed in an earthquake in 1818. The interior includes Gothic vaults, Tuscan-style pillars and 11 richly decorated altars given to Guadalajara by King Fernando VII of Spain. The glass case nearest the north entrance is a very popular reliquary, containing the hands and blood of the martyred Santa Inocencia. In the sacristy, which an attendant can open for you on request, is La Asunción de la Virgen , painted by Spanish artist Bartolomé Murillo in 1650.