The Metropolitan Cathedral of Chihuahua is on the south side of Plaza de Armas in the city centre. It is the main Catholic church in Chihuahua and one of the most important colonial buildings in northern Mexico, built in the Spanish Baroque style. Look up at the facade, where Solomonic columns are used, and find the octagonal window made in Germany and the clock from London. Inside, the air is calm, and people come in to sit, pray or rest, even when no service is taking place. Allow time to walk the plaza and the historic centre around it.
From 1725 to today
Construction of the cathedral began in 1725, and the building is one of the oldest and most famous monuments in Chihuahua. Its official name is the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Our Lady of Regla, and St Francis of Assisi. It is also called the State Capital Church, and it is the seat of the Roman Catholic parish in Chihuahua.
The church follows the Spanish Baroque style. Its floor plan is shaped like a Latin cross, with a dome over the crossing. Many writers consider it the most impressive Baroque building in northern Mexico, which is why it is one of the main stops on any visit to the historic centre.
The facade
The facade is the feature most visitors study first. Solomonic columns decorate it, and these twisted columns are uncommon in New Spanish Baroque architecture. The facade also has twin bell towers and carved statues.
Look for the octagonal window, which was commissioned in Germany, and the clock made in London. The clock replaced the royal Spanish coat of arms in 1874. Several details refer to older church art, including an image of St Francis holding a skull. The artist signed the work in a clever way, so a close look at the carvings is worth the time.
Inside the cathedral
The interior is calm and well lit. Light comes in through the high windows and falls across the pews. The heavy historic doors are worth a look too, especially their metal hardware.
The interior holds altarpieces and religious artwork. Many people come in to sit in the pews to rest, reflect or pray, even on days when no service is held. A museum of sacred art is reached through the catacombs of the cathedral. Its collection includes religious works from the colonial era.
Around the cathedral
The cathedral faces Plaza de Armas, and the historic site park between the cathedral and the city hall is a good place to sit in the sun. Locals often spend time here, so it is a useful place to see daily life in the city.
The downtown area has several museums close by. The Museo de la Lealtad Republicana, in Casa Juárez, was the government headquarters in the mid-19th century. Casa Chihuahua, a cultural heritage centre, lets visitors see the prison cell of Miguel Hidalgo. One museum in the area, a former post office, hosted a Frida Kahlo exhibit. Downtown is a pedestrian area, so a walk between these sites is simple.
Preguntas frecuentes
Do I need to book tickets?
Advance tickets are recommended for the cathedral. Check the latest arrangements before you travel.
When is the best time to visit?
Morning is the best time, when natural light comes in through the high windows and the interior feels most peaceful.
Is the cathedral wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance and the parking lot are both wheelchair accessible.
How much time should I plan?
The material does not give a set length for the cathedral alone. Downtown has more to see than one day allows, so plan for a longer stay if you want to visit the museums too.
