Description of the attraction
The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Catholic church located in the central part of Mexico City on a hilltop, on the north side of the Constitution Square.
The foundation stone was laid by the great conquistador Hernan Cortes in 1524. But soon the dimensions of the church ceased to correspond to the greatness of the main city of New Spain. Where the church was built is now the northeastern wing of the cathedral. In 1544, the church undergoes changes again due to its "insignificance". King Philip II of Spain decides to create a more regal cathedral. The Emperor of Mexico Maximilian of Habsburg and Empress Charlotte of Belgium were crowned in this very cathedral.
In 1962, a fire broke out that destroyed a significant part of the rich decoration of the cathedral. During the restoration, historical documents and art objects were discovered. It is noteworthy that the cathedral has never been aloof from the country's political life. In 2008, the cathedral bell tower did not fall silent throughout the Mexican Supreme Court hearing on the legalization of abortion, thereby expressing the protest of the flock.
The vaults and columns of the temple are decorated with ivory, mother of pearl and gold. Among all the altars, the Altar of Forgiveness with figures of saints and angels stands out. The Royal Chapel is also striking in its magnificence. Like any old cathedral, there is an underground burial vault where the bishops of Mexico rest in tombs dating from the 16th and 17th centuries.
In view of its massiveness, the temple is constantly sinking. For a long time, it was among the architectural monuments that are threatened with collapse. But in 2000, during the reconstruction, the architects assured that the temple would stand, without shaking, for about fifty more years.
