Description of the attraction
The Cathedral is located near the Plaza de Armas in the historic heart of the city. The full name of the temple is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Tour guides usually begin or end a story about the city just at its walls.
Several architectural trends are clearly visible in the appearance of the cathedral; the renaissance and neo-gothic style prevail here.
The construction of the first part of the temple began in 1541. At that time it was the simplest mud brick building with a reed roof. In 1548, when Guadalajara became the center of the diocese, it was decided to build a temple worthy of the diocese in the city. The building, erected in 1561, was destroyed by fire 13 years later. By 1618, a new cathedral was ready in the old place. After an earthquake in 1818, the dome and both bell towers collapsed. They were rebuilt again, but in 1849 there was another strong earthquake that severely destroyed the Cathedral.
The towers that flank the façade of the main church of Guadalajara today were designed in 1854 by the architect Manuel Gomez Ibarra. Ibarra renounced the traditional Baroque and chose the neo-Gothic style that was widespread in that era. The yellow spiers match the general architecture of the Plaza de Armas today are considered one of the main landmarks of the city.
The cathedral covers over 5600 square meters. It contains three chapels and nine altars. The Cathedral of Guadalajara differs from other cathedrals in Mexico in its neoclassical interior. A beautiful organ is installed in the cathedral.
