Art, literature & culture

Construction of Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral

1570

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City is the largest cathedral in the Americas and the seat of the Archdiocese of Mexico. It was begun in the 16th century on the edge of the main square, partly on the site of the Aztec ceremonial precinct of Tenochtitlan, and stone from the ruined Aztec temples was reused in its foundations. Construction lasted about two and a half centuries, so the building combines Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical elements. The soft lakebed soil beneath it has caused uneven sinking, and major engineering work in the late 20th century was needed to stabilize the structure. It stands in the historic center of Mexico City, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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This moment belongs to the Early modern world (1500 CE to 1760 CE), voyages, printing and new ideas. You can also browse everything in the 16th century.