Puebla Cathedral is a spectacular 16th-century church of colonial origin that rises above the centre of the city. It is known for its exceptional interior, with Baroque chapels adorned with artistic and ecclesiastical artifacts. Admire the mixture of neoclassical, Baroque and Renaissance features that reflect the complex construction of the church.
Capture photos of the iconic grey façade, with its three large brown portals and twin bell towers on the flanks. Inspect the statues of saints and the high reliefs depicting Spanish kings. Consider the sheer enormity of the church, which is second in the country only to Mexico City’s cathedral in size. The church is delightful at night, when it is illuminated in white light.
Climb to the top of one of the bell towers, which are the tallest in the country, at 226 feet (69 metres). The tower’s observation platform offers excellent views of the historic attractions decorating Puebla’s city centre. Gaze into the distance to see the volcanoes surrounding the city.
Enter the church for its large nave with a Latin cross plan. Explore some of the 14 chapels, each equipped with intriguing works of art and pieces integral to the city’s religious history. A central theme is colonial art from the 16th century, although the 18th-century octagonal altar stands out for its majesty, with Corinthian columns holding up two levels topped by a dome.
Note that the construction of the cathedral commenced in 1535, before being drastically reconstructed beginning in 1575 under the guidance of architect Francisco Becerra. It was finally completed toward the end of the 17th century.
Puebla Cathedral is located in the heart of the city bordering the Zócalo central square. It is accessible by bus, with several stops on the nearby avenues. The church is open to the public daily from morning until midday, then again from late afternoon to evening. Make sure to see neighboring sights, such as the 17th-century Palafoxiana Library, the Dalí Art Gallery and Los Sapos Bazaar.
