Iglesia de La Profesa

Description:

• There is no other church as aristocratic as this one in the whole of Mexico City. Built by Pedro Arrieta and completed in 1720, its Baroque style proved to be so distinctive that it became a prototype for other Jesuit constructions. Although its real name is the Church of San José el Real, it is known locally as "La Profesa" because it once formed part of the Jesuit house of the same name. One of the most splendid churches of the old Spanish viceroyalty, it stood in for the Metropolitan Cathedral between 1926 and 1932, while the former was closed due to religious conflict. Towards the end of the 18th century, its interior was refurbished, the main altar being replaced by a more Neo-Classical model designed by Manuel Tolsá, and dedicated to San Felipe Neri. At the dawn of the 19th century, Agustín de Iturbide, the only "Emperor" to have governed Mexico, would attend mass here. The church has its own collection of paintings, which further enhance its atmosphere of pomp and elegance.
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