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TRAVEL IDEAS
Metropolitan Cathedral
Historic Center (Centro)
There is A LOT going on inside this Cathedral. Side chapels aren't open every day, so if you are wondering why many of them are closed and unlit—this is normal! Also, keep in mind that church services take place frequently in here, and if they are, much of the Cathedral will be inaccessible.
Click on any image to read more about what you are seeing and where to find it in the Cathedral.
Altar of Forgiveness (Altar del Perdón), near the entrance to the Cathedral
A beautiful golden retablo (or altarpiece) in the trascoro (in front of the central nave of the cathedral). The Spanish architect Jerónimo de Balbás created it in 1735—he is also the person who designed and created the Altar of the Kings in the apse. The painting at the center is by the 16th-century Flemish artist Simon Pereyns and shows members of the Holy Family (the Virgin Mary and Christ Child, as well as Saints Joseph, and Mary's parents, Anne and Joachim). He painted a lot of other paintings still in the Cathedral. Also decorating the retablo is Our Lord of Poison—which is a black Christ that was originally made in the 18th century and placed in a different church in the city. It is made of corn paste, which suggests it was made by Indigenous artists!
A fire in the 1960s damaged this altarpiece but it has been restored.
A fire in the 1960s damaged this altarpiece but it has been restored.
Top half of the Altar of the Kings (Altar de los Reyes)
Located in the apse at the back of the cathedral, this massive altarpiece (or retablo) stretches from floor to ceiling. It was created by the Spanish architect Jeronimo de Balbás between 1718–37. It is covered in gold leaf! The master painter and gilder Francisco Martínez was in charge of the gilding.
It is often described as Ultrabaroque, a elaborate style that seems to move and writhe because of its decoration. It also uses something called an estípite column is wider in the middle, but tapers at the bottom—not exactly what you might expect for a column! This altarpiece was one of the first to use this dynamic style and column in Mexico City.
How does it relate to kings? Well, in sculptures and paintings on the retablo are a bunch of important rulers related to Christianity.
It's an impressive thing to behold, so don't miss it!
(TIP: make sure to check if the sacristy is open! If it is, run to see the AMAZING paintings inside it! If you are standing in front of the Altar of the Kings, look to the right side of the Cathedral.
It is often described as Ultrabaroque, a elaborate style that seems to move and writhe because of its decoration. It also uses something called an estípite column is wider in the middle, but tapers at the bottom—not exactly what you might expect for a column! This altarpiece was one of the first to use this dynamic style and column in Mexico City.
How does it relate to kings? Well, in sculptures and paintings on the retablo are a bunch of important rulers related to Christianity.
It's an impressive thing to behold, so don't miss it!
(TIP: make sure to check if the sacristy is open! If it is, run to see the AMAZING paintings inside it! If you are standing in front of the Altar of the Kings, look to the right side of the Cathedral.
Lower half of the Altar of the Kings (Altar de los Reyes)
Located in the apse at the back of the cathedral, this massive altarpiece (or retablo) stretches from floor to ceiling. It was created by the Spanish architect Jeronimo de Balbás between 1718–37. It is covered in gold leaf! The master painter and gilder Francisco Martínez was in charge of the gilding.
It is often described as Ultrabaroque, a elaborate style that seems to move and writhe because of its decoration. It also uses something called an estípite column is wider in the middle, but tapers at the bottom—not exactly what you might expect for a column! This altarpiece was one of the first to use this dynamic style and column in Mexico City.
How does it relate to kings? Well, in sculptures and paintings on the retablo are a bunch of important rulers related to Christianity.
It's an impressive thing to behold, so don't miss it!
(TIP: make sure to check if the sacristy is open! If it is, run to see the AMAZING paintings inside it! If you are standing in front of the Altar of the Kings, look to the right side of the Cathedral.
It is often described as Ultrabaroque, a elaborate style that seems to move and writhe because of its decoration. It also uses something called an estípite column is wider in the middle, but tapers at the bottom—not exactly what you might expect for a column! This altarpiece was one of the first to use this dynamic style and column in Mexico City.
How does it relate to kings? Well, in sculptures and paintings on the retablo are a bunch of important rulers related to Christianity.
It's an impressive thing to behold, so don't miss it!
(TIP: make sure to check if the sacristy is open! If it is, run to see the AMAZING paintings inside it! If you are standing in front of the Altar of the Kings, look to the right side of the Cathedral.
Our Lord of Cacao, Chapel of Saint Joseph
This sculpture of Jesus as the Lord of Cacao shows him as a Man of Sorrows. He sits down, his head resting on his one arm, the wounds of his torture visible. He looks sorrowful and pensive. This sculpture is another one made of corn paste, then painted to look lifelike.
He holds a little stalk of cacao beans, which is why is the Lord of Cacao. Sometimes people will leave cacao for him (well, really they will leave chocolate which comes from cacao!) as an offering of thanks.
He holds a little stalk of cacao beans, which is why is the Lord of Cacao. Sometimes people will leave cacao for him (well, really they will leave chocolate which comes from cacao!) as an offering of thanks.
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