The Sinking Monument in Zocalo, Mexico City

The Metropolitan Cathedral is without a doubt one of the most important buildings in Mexico City’s historical center. Beyond its religious significance, it contains a summary of five centuries worth of Mexican art and architecture. Built on the remains of an Aztec temple in what was the center of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, the colonizing Spaniards built the most grandiose church in all of the Americas. Its imposing size, fascinating history and beautiful art and architecture make this one of the most outstanding buildings in the country. The cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Mexico and is situated on the north side of Mexico City’s main square, the Plaza de la Constitución, more commonly known as the Zocalo, and beside the Templo Mayor archaeological site, a visit to which will give you a glimpse at what this place was like before the arrival of the Spaniards in the 1500s. There is no charge to enter the cathedral. A donation is requested to enter the choir or sacristy, but it is certainly worthwhile to do that. The Choir is located inside large stone walls in between the two side organs. A choir is the area of a church that provides seating for the clergy and the musical choir. The choir contains 59 chairs. Each one is precisely carved with reliefs of various saints done in mahogany, walnut, cedar and a native wood called tepehuaje. Above the choir walls is a great painting of Jesus surrounded by angels. This is designed in a semicircular arch, a style popular in Spanish Cathedrals of the time. Work of exquisite taste, of fine guidelines and elegant profile, is worthy center of this magnificent choir.