Catedral de Puebla

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• Puebla, 72000

Puebla's Cathedral is the second largest in México. Its construction began in 1535 and was dedicated to the Immaculate Conception in 1649. In 1575 a new project by the architect Francisco Becerra made it larger and more elaborated. The new cathedral was completed in 1664.
Legend says that this cathedral was built following the plans for the Lima's Cathedral, in Peru, the other Viceregal Capital. But somehow, on the ship that came from Spain the plans got mixed. Maybe that is why Puebla's Cathedral is considered the most beautiful in America.
Though the exterior is austere, the interior is a marvelous spectacle of effusive decoration. It has 14 chapels, and an unusual octagonal altar, designed by Manuel Tolsá in 1797, which is the highlight of the cathedral. The dome is inspired on that of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
The cathedral was built in a Baroque style in transition to the Neoclassical style with some Renaissance details. Its twin towers are the tallest in Mexico and from top of them the view of the city and the volcanoes is excellent.
The facade may seem austere due to the dark stone, but is decorated with statues of saints and some reliefs of four Spanish kings.
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