Facing Plaza de Mayo at San Martín 27, Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral is Argentina’s principal Catholic church and the seat of the city’s archbishop. Its broad Neoclassical façade, with twelve columns, can look more like a temple than a church; inside, ornate details, mosaics and religious art give the building a different character. Visit the mausoleum of General José de San Martín, see the Cristo de Los Pobres sculpture and look for the Carlo Vegezzi Bossi organ in the upper galleries. A museum here displays objects connected with Pope Francis.
A cathedral shaped over centuries
The cathedral stands on the northwest side of Plaza de Mayo, at the meeting of San Martín Street and Avenida Rivadavia. Its place in the city’s religious life goes back to Buenos Aires’s early years, but the building now on the square is the result of repeated rebuilding and changes.
The cathedral began taking its present form in the 18th century. The building was completed in 1827, while its Neoclassical façade was finished later, in 1863. That long construction history helps explain why the exterior and interior feel different: the front is formal and temple-like, while the interior has the layered character of a Catholic church. The broad entrance and twelve columns give the façade its distinct profile.
Inside the cathedral
Once inside, look beyond the contrast with the exterior. The interior has ornate details, mosaics, religious artwork and altars. A sculpture titled Cristo de Los Pobres is another feature to seek out as you move through the church.
The mausoleum of General José de San Martín is among the cathedral’s most important historical sites. San Martín, a central figure in Argentina’s independence, is buried in a chapel here. The cathedral’s connection to national history sits alongside its continuing role as a place of worship, so keep the atmosphere quiet and allow services and ceremonies to proceed without interruption.
The organ and Pope Francis museum
The upper galleries hold a Carlo Vegezzi Bossi organ made in Italy in 1910. The instrument combines elements of the classic Ripiena tradition with romantic orchestral features. Its name comes from the Italian organ-building family associated with its construction. If you are interested in the cathedral’s music, make time to look up toward the galleries.
A museum inside the cathedral presents objects connected with Pope Francis and modern church leaders. Before becoming pope in 2013, Francis was Jorge Bergoglio, the archbishop of Buenos Aires, and he celebrated Mass at the cathedral. The museum adds a more recent chapter to a building whose religious and civic history stretches back to the city’s early period.
Häufige Fragen
Where is Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral?
It faces Plaza de Mayo at San Martín 27, on the square’s northwest side.
What should I see inside the cathedral?
Look for General José de San Martín’s mausoleum, the Cristo de Los Pobres sculpture, the ornate interior and the organ in the upper galleries.
Is there a museum inside the cathedral?
Yes. The cathedral has a museum with objects connected to Pope Francis and modern church leaders.
How long do you need at Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral?
Allow about 30 minutes to explore.
