The Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral is known to be the largest and oldest cathedral in Latin…read moreAmerica. It took 3 centuries to build and features baroque, neoclassical, and neo-renaissance design. With this cathedral being so massive, there are 14 chapels, numerous of alters, beautifully painted domes and stunning architecture. There is also an underground crypt (if you want to visit that, you will need to enter through the Templo Mayor Museum, north of the cathedral, or across the street from here). Because most of Mexico City was built on an emptied lakebed, the ground is sinking, which has caused for uneven ground/ structure that has caused for the cathedral to be tilted towards one side. It is free to enter this cathedral and visitors are able to take as many photos as they wish, but no flash. The cathedral is open every day from 8 am to 8 pm. You can also purchase tickets if you wish to climb stairs up to the bell towers that is offered several times a day. But please note that the tour is only offered in Spanish. Also there was a large earthquake in 2017 that caused damage to the bell towers so part of that section is not available for walking by. During our visit, we saw that two services were going on at the same time. We also saw some of the largest organs that were built during this time period in this cathedral, which really was impressive. We really wanted to check out the bell towers tour but it was not available on the day we came. I really did enjoy walking through this incredibly large cathedral and taking my time to look at everything (I also greatly appreciate the air conditioning to get a little rest from the warm weather on the day of our visit). The photos posted here really does not do justice to how gorgeous this holy and historic site is. Definitely worth a visit if you are visiting Mexico City's zocaldo, or the historic center.

When I was a kid my parents took me to Mexico City-I think I was like 5 or 6 years old.During that…read moretrip I took a picture in front of the Basilica with my mother.That picture was in the hall of every house we ever lived in ever since. Fast forward 45+ years later I'm finally making my way back to Mexico City and one of the top things I wanted to do is to try and find the place I took that picture at the historic church located near the Zocalo. Funny thing happens to your memory after 45 years and I couldn't quite locate where I took that picture,I guess on this trip I would have to settle for visiting this amazing historic religious site. When I got to the church,I was surprised how many vendors were located outside of the church,selling their wares.They were everywhere out there-I surely was tempted to pick up a few things,but I didn't as that wasn't the purpose of this visit. Once inside I was immediately taken back by the sheer size of this holy place.The grandeur of the interior of the building was breathtaking. I could've spent hours in there looking at all the artwork and statues that lined the sides of this place of worship-just reading the stories and seeing the amazing displays of saints and religious figures had me mesmerized. It took me back to the days of my youth when I was an altar boy for many years at the Catholic church in my town. This church has a connecting older church that serves as an alternate place to worship-admire art and pray-But it was under major construction when I visited,so was not able to spend much time in the connecting buildings. Upon leaving the building I was kinda torn how such a very special place has turned into such a tourist attraction-I mean there is a vendor inside the church selling crosses and candles and other things to commemorate one's visit to this church. I get why they do it,just didn't like how it made me feel seeing it. That being said-this church is truly a must visit when visiting Mexico City for anyone who loves history-loves architecture-loves Catholic churches or just wants some quiet time to pray. It truly was one of the highlights of my trip and a place I think back to fondly when I reminisce about my trip-now if I could've only found that spot I took that picture so very long ago.

Beautiful church to visit if you're in the area. It's one of the oldest in Mexico. You can light…read morecandles for loved ones as well.

If you're in Coyoacan for the Frida attractions, don't sleep on this beautiful church. The…read morecobblestone square, the bell tower, the interior with its ornate altar and ceiling frescoes! So much to look at! And - as with almost everything in Mexico City - there's so much history here: the church was constructed upon the site of a former school for the sons of Aztec mobility (the ruins are still beneath the cloister)! It's stunning and worth a visit if you're in the area.

Iglesia de San Francisco or Church of San Francisco is located in Centro Histórico (or the historic…read morecenter). This church has endeared many histocial events. After the Reform War (in 1861), most of the property of this church was seized by the government. Unfortunately most of the church was destroyed and demolished for construction to make room for new roads. Other parts of the old building that are still standing today are a Methodist Church and also a bakery (Panadería Ideal). The reason why these buildings are still here is because it cost the government more to demolish these buildings than to leave them standing. So to get inside the church, you have to walk down some stairs. Why you ask? Well because Mexico City is sinking. A lot of historical buildings are actually sinking. When the Spanish had conquered the Aztecs, they drained Texcoco Lake in order to use the lake bed as a foundation for the city. The lake bed is drying up (and also having the weight of buildings built on top of it doesn't help), which is why it is sinking at such a rapid rate for those that are interested to know. Anyways, for those interested in visiting this church, it is free to enter. When my husband and I visited this church a few Sundays ago, we arrived around 1:40 pm. A little before 2 pm, there was a church service that was just starting. Not sure how often services occur, but it is possible you may be lucky to see one whenever you visit. There is also a small gift shop area in case you wish to purchase religious items. And towards the outside entrance, there were some baked goods that were being sold by some of the nuns that we were told the proceeds would go to help out the church. The architecture of this church truly is beautiful and a feast for the eyes. And really is amazing that these church buildings are still standing with the paintings on the walls and the alters inside. Definitely worth a visit if you are in downtown historic center.

A visit here was an accident and a wonderful one at that. We were walking back from Zocalo to our…read morehotel when we saw this spot and decided to check it out. It's a spectacular church and has been around from 1542! Check out the pictures.