TR09 Secrets of Mexico City's Cathedral

TR09 Secrets of Mexico City's Cathedral: History, Architecture, and Preservation Tour

Leader: Pedro A. Muñoz Sánchez, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

$25 • AIA CES: 2 LU • Capacity: 15
Walking • Mobility Level: ML2

The Cathedral of Mexico City is one of the most important and iconic architectural works constructed during the colonial period. As its construction spanned nearly the entire 300-year duration of the colonial era, the Cathedral incorporates a rich blend of architectural styles, reflecting the diverse cultural and artistic influences that shaped the Viceroyalty of New Spain. Built on the site of a former Aztec temple, it stands as a symbol of both religious devotion and the complex history of colonialism in the Americas.

The Cathedral's design evolved over centuries, with contributions from many of the best architects and artists of the time. Their work combined elements of Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture, each style representing different phases in the Cathedral’s construction. The building’s evolution showcases the transformation of architectural trends in the New World, blending European influences with local materials and methods, and highlighting the shifting power dynamics between the Spanish Crown and the indigenous population.

Thus, understanding the history of the Cathedral of Mexico City offers insight not only into the building itself, but into the broader history of architecture, religion, and society in colonial Mexico.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Hilton Mexico City Reforma, Avenida Juárez 70, Col. Centro, Ciudad de México, Mexico

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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