Morelia Cathedral stands on Avenida Madero in the historic center, next to the Plaza de Armas. Builders worked on it from 1660 to 1744, and the pink cantera stone facade is among the finest examples of Mexican Baroque. Its twin towers are visible from much of the old town. Inside are gilded altars, a large pipe organ and paintings by 18th-century artists. It is still a working church, so Mass is held here. The cathedral is lit after dark, and on Saturday evenings the streets around it fill with a light and fireworks show.
Built between 1660 and 1744
Construction of the cathedral began in 1660 and finished in 1744, a span of 84 years. That long timeline explains why the building mixes architectural styles. By the time it was completed it was one of the most important cathedrals in Mexico, and it remains one of the country's best examples of Spanish Baroque design.
The walls are made of cantera, a pink local stone. Over the centuries most of the surface has weathered to a softer pink, but some areas still show the stone's first, brighter color.
The towers and the facade
The twin towers are the cathedral's signature feature, and they rank among the tallest cathedral towers in Mexico. Each one shows the three phases of the long build. The bases follow a classical Herreresque style, the middle sections are baroque, and the tops are neoclassical, with many columns.
The cathedral runs along the side of the central plaza instead of facing it, and there is a plaza on each side. This gives you open space to step back and take in the full height of the front. The towers can be seen from far down the streets of the historic center.
Inside the cathedral
The interior has ornate, gilded altars and stained glass. A pipe organ, described as German and more than a century old, has around 4,600 pipes. The cathedral also holds paintings by 18th-century artists, among them Juan Rodríguez Juárez, José Maria de Ibarra and Miguel Cabrera.
You can attend Mass here, and there is an art museum connected to the cathedral. The building is kept clean and well maintained both inside and out.
After dark and on Saturday evenings
The cathedral is lit at night, and its carved stone details stand out against the dark sky. Every Saturday evening a light show with fireworks takes place at the cathedral. The street beside it is closed to traffic, and the area fills with people in their best clothes, vendors and families.
The cathedral is also a natural starting point for a tour of Morelia. The Plaza de Armas is right next to it, and guided walking tours of the center include it alongside other churches, squares and gardens.
FAQ
When was Morelia Cathedral built?
Work started in 1660 and ended in 1744, so it took 84 years. This is why the towers combine classical, baroque and neoclassical elements.
Is there a light show at the cathedral?
Yes. The cathedral is lit at night, and on Saturday evenings there is a light and fireworks show. The street beside it is closed to traffic then.
What is inside Morelia Cathedral?
There are gilded altars, stained glass, a pipe organ with about 4,600 pipes, and paintings by 18th-century artists such as Miguel Cabrera. An art museum is also linked to the cathedral.
Where is the cathedral?
It is on Avenida Francisco I. Madero Poniente in the historic center of Morelia, next to the Plaza de Armas.
Is the entrance wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the cathedral has a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot. Restrooms are also available.
