Churches of Mexico City

Our Local Expert Says:

An astonishing monument to Catholicism in Mexico. A definite must see.

Description:

Construction of this grand cathedral began in the early 1570s and took two and a half centuries to complete. The resulting Catedral Metropolitana, or "La Catedral" as is known to locals, is a grandiose monument to Mexican devotion which uses a variety of architectonic styles (including neo-classicism, Spanish renaissance and a few obvious touches of Baroque). Inside the three vaulted basilica are intricate 16 Century wooden altars, gold gilded statuettes dating from the 16 Century, and 14 massive, astonishingly decorated chapels. Since the "Catedral" was constructed atop Aztec ruins, and due to the sheer weight of marble, stone and brick, the "Catedral" is sinking at a slow, but very noticeable rate. This is a definite must see.

Description:

This complex of buildings has a history dating back to the sixteenth century. The School of San Ildefonso was born when the San Bernardo, San Gregorio and San Miguel schools were joined in the 18th century. The three inner courtyards separate the colegio chico (small school) from the pasantes (interns) and the grande (big) school. The muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros embellished the stairs of the colegio chico, while the grande has a series of images by José Clemente Orozco which expresses his tragic sense of life and his keen sense of the ridiculous. These murals enhance what is now a cultural arts centre.

Our Local Expert Says:

The public square beside this church houses dozens of scribes hired by those who cannot read or write to pen anything from legal documents through to love letters) and printing kiosks which use ancient printing methods for wedding invitations and presentation cards. A must see.

Description:

This Baroque church dates back to 1736. It once used to be part of the first Dominican convent built in New Spain, which was all but destroyed in 1861. The front façade is beautifully decorated, with a relief of the Assumption of the Virgin in the centre and twelve columns that surround the church's main entrance. It is also worth taking a look at the side of the building, where there are some wonderful carved stone figures of Santo Domingo and San Francisco, linked arm to arm.

Our Local Expert Says:

Each of the printing kiosks in this Plaza seems to have a small altar for good luck with an eclectic variety of charms and statuettes. The printers are more than happy to explain what each mean and how much good luck it has brought in their business.

Description:

Are you in need of a love letter to send to that someone special? Look no further, for this is the place for you. The Portal de los Evangelistas is full of scribes who will type your letter for a set fee. Much of their work is dedicated to exalted hearts, just like in the Márquez novel 'Love in Times of Cholera'. Also found in the plaza are the Palacio de la Inquisición, which now houses a nursery school, and the church of Santo Domingo, which are all that remains of New Spain's first Dominican convent.

Description:

Undoubtedly one of the city's most palatable and recommendable restaurants for traditional Mexican food. El Cardenal has three locations, but this Calle de Palma one is undoubtedly the best. El Cardenal makes is own breads, tortillas, cocoa and cheese, the service is impecable and the wandering Spanish musicians lend the place a jovial and delicious tone. El Cardenal is located in a three storey turn of century colonial building covered in talavera tiles and dotted with amazing religious and local artwork from a variety of periods.

Description:

Cost-conscious travelers and tour groups flock to Hotel Catedral, a 166-room property smack dab in the center of Mexico City's Historic Center. Located just one block from the Zócalo and Metropolitan Cathedral, the hotel gets high marks for its cleanliness and ample full breakfast buffet (included in the room price). Donceles is a busy thoroughfare - choose your room carefully to avoid the street noise. Accommodations, which feature one or two double beds, are pleasant and well maintained although American and Canadian guests might find the mattresses hard. Bathrooms come with standard shower although some rooms have Jacuzzi tubs. Restaurant Catedral serves Mexican and International lunch and dinner while El Retiro bar offers light fare. The 7th floor terrace, with its views of picturesque Colonial-era rooftops, is popular in the evening. The Hotel Catedral is convenient to all downtown locations including the Museo de la Caricatura and Museo del Templo Mayor.
Tel (Toll-free, Mexico): 01-800-701-8340
Tel (Toll-free, USA/Canada): 1 (866) 291-2312
Accommodations: 166 rooms
Rates: MX$590-1010/US$59-110. Does not include 18.5% room tax
Payment: Mexican pesos, Visa, MasterCard, Amex... read more

Description:

The Ex Colegio Carmelita de San Ángel, now the Museo del Carmen, is a sprawling 18th century church and monastery, built by Fray Andrés de San Miguel and located south of Mexico City's center in San Angel. The museum houses an important collection of New Spain religious art by such painters as Cristóbal de Villalpando, Miguel Cabrera, and Juan Correa. One compact gallery displays 50 tiny wax dancers and musicians, intricately crafted by 20th century artist Carmen Antúnez, which depict traditional costumes and rituals from across Mexico, including the Dance of the Old Ones from Michoacán. Don't forget to descend the stone staircase to the basement with its twelve macabre mummies of 19th century priests who slumber inside glass-topped coffins. After you have explored the Museo del Carmen you could easily visit the Museo Casa del Risco and Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo.

How to Get There: Métro: Line 7, Barranca del Muerto Station. Metrobús Insurgentes: Bombilla Station, then walk west 5 minutes on Calle Amargura and turn left on Av. Revolución
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission: MX$41/US$4.10. Free for children under 12, senior citizens,... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

An amazing glimpse at pre-Hispanic Mexico, definitely worth the visit.

Description:

In Aztec times this place was considered the center of the universe and it was at this temple that human sacrifices, a traditional ball game and many religious ceremonies took place. Dating from around 1375 the temple went through many reconstructions until in 1520 the Spaniards decided to destroy it and build on top of it. A reconstruction in the early 1980s revealed what was left of an impressive archeological site. Nowadays the Templo Mayor has a large and impressive museum focusing on the culture and traditions of Mexico City's early inhabitants. It houses sacrificial stones, statuettes and sacred artifacts. The museum itself is expansive and might take some time to visit in its entirety, but it is definitely worth the visit.

Our Local Expert Says:

Incredibly popular both among tourists and locals for top notch traditional Mexican food.

Description:

When you are walking around the downtown area, this is a perfect place to stop for lunch or dinner. It serves traditional Mexican food and has outstanding mole, rivaling this State of Puebla specialty. Order it with chicken or enchiladas and I assure you you will not be disappointed, actually you can't go wrong with any of the items on the menu. The decor will charm you, old historic paintings and Talavera tiles give it an authentic Mexican flavor. You will find an eclectic combination of locals and tourists from all over the world in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Entrees are in the $8 to $12 range and they have a full bar. It's location is perfect, just a few blocks from Palacio de Bellas Artes and Zocalo, the main downtown square.

Our Local Expert Says:

Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Trotsky are said to have frequented here.

Description:

You haven't truly experienced Mexico City until you've visited a typical Mexican cantina. La Guadalupana is one of the oldest and most popular cantinas in the city. It was founded in 1923 and has still maintained the classic look of a traditional cantina. It offers a broad variety of tequilas, pulques and other Mexican drinks for its guests to sample. With its kicking Mariachi music and great drinks, La Guadalupana will give you a true taste of what Mexico has to offer.

Description:

Cost-conscious travelers and tour groups flock to Hotel Catedral, a 166-room property smack dab in the center of Mexico City's Historic Center. Located just one block from the Zócalo and Metropolitan Cathedral, the hotel gets high marks for its cleanliness and ample full breakfast buffet (included in the room price). Donceles is a busy thoroughfare - choose your room carefully to avoid the street noise. Accommodations, which feature one or two double beds, are pleasant and well maintained although American and Canadian guests might find the mattresses hard. Bathrooms come with standard shower although some rooms have Jacuzzi tubs. Restaurant Catedral serves Mexican and International lunch and dinner while El Retiro bar offers light fare. The 7th floor terrace, with its views of picturesque Colonial-era rooftops, is popular in the evening. The Hotel Catedral is convenient to all downtown locations including the Museo de la Caricatura and Museo del Templo Mayor.
Tel (Toll-free, Mexico): 01-800-701-8340
Tel (Toll-free, USA/Canada): 1 (866) 291-2312
Accommodations: 166 rooms
Rates: MX$590-1010/US$59-110. Does not include 18.5% room tax
Payment: Mexican pesos, Visa, MasterCard, Amex... read more

Description:

The Virgin Mary of Guadalupe, Mexico's patron saint, is said to have appeared here to Juan Diego, a humble peasant, in 1531. Since then, the religious fervor toward Guadalupe has never waned. The place has become a Mecca for Catholics from around the world, who wish to see the shrine where she appeared and the massive infrastructure that it has created. Pilgrims often arrive here crawling, as a sign of humility and/or to pay for some miracle that has been granted to them. The adjacent museum is an exquisite glimpse at all things catholic and the history of the church in this deeply religious country. The Basilica de Guadalupe is a great place to glimpse at the deep devotion of Mexico.

Description:

Within the northern city limits is the famous Basílica of Guadalupe -- not just another church, but the central place of worship for Mexico's patron saint and the home of the image responsible for uniting pre-Hispanic Indian mysticism with Catholic beliefs. It is virtually impossible to understand Mexico and its culture without appreciating the national devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe. The blue-mantled Virgin of Guadalupe is the most revered image in the country, and you will see her countenance wherever you travel. This is also one of the most important religious sites for Catholics.

The Basílica occupies the site where, on December 9, 1531, a poor Indian named Juan Diego reputedly saw a vision of a beautiful lady in a blue mantle. The local bishop, Zumarraga, was reluctant to confirm that Juan Diego had indeed seen the Virgin Mary, so he asked the peasant for evidence. Juan Diego saw the vision a second time, on December 12, and when he asked the Virgin for proof, she instructed him to collect the roses that began blooming in the rocky soil at his feet. He gathered the flowers in his cloak and returned to the bishop. When he unfurled his cloak, the flowers dropped to the ground...

Description:

Cost-conscious travelers and tour groups flock to Hotel Catedral, a 166-room property smack dab in the center of Mexico City's Historic Center. Located just one block from the Zócalo and Metropolitan Cathedral, the hotel gets high marks for its cleanliness and ample full breakfast buffet (included in the room price). Donceles is a busy thoroughfare - choose your room carefully to avoid the street noise. Accommodations, which feature one or two double beds, are pleasant and well maintained although American and Canadian guests might find the mattresses hard. Bathrooms come with standard shower although some rooms have Jacuzzi tubs. Restaurant Catedral serves Mexican and International lunch and dinner while El Retiro bar offers light fare. The 7th floor terrace, with its views of picturesque Colonial-era rooftops, is popular in the evening. The Hotel Catedral is convenient to all downtown locations including the Museo de la Caricatura and Museo del Templo Mayor.
Tel (Toll-free, Mexico): 01-800-701-8340
Tel (Toll-free, USA/Canada): 1 (866) 291-2312
Accommodations: 166 rooms
Rates: MX$590-1010/US$59-110. Does not include 18.5% room tax
Payment: Mexican pesos, Visa, MasterCard, Amex... read more