ArchitectureThe Basilica CathedralPuebla

The Catedral Basílica is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Mary. The original cathedral was located in what is now the atrium. The Church that we see today,  was started in 1575 according to the ‘working drawing’ of Juan de Cigorondo and Francisco Becerra, and it boasts a clearly Renaissance style with Baroque ornamentation. The north tower where the bells were placed, was completed in 1678, and the south tower in 1768. The main facade was completed in 1664, and has three portals   The central doorway elegantly shows the shield of  the Spanish crown, the Marian monogram, and the patrons St John, St. James and St. Peter and Paul.  The side entryways display reliefs of Santa Rosa of Lima and St. Teresa of Avila. Inside, the choir with its pews is noteworthy, as well as the organs and the monumental gate. The cypress and  neoclassical altar were designed by Manuel Tolsa and built by Joseph Manzo. The Kings’ Altar, by artist Pedro Garcia Ferrer, is a leading example of baroque from the 17th century. The Church was consecrated on April 18, 1649, by the main propeller of its conclusion, Bishop Don Juan de Palafox y Mendoza. The Basilica Cathedral of the city of Puebla is located next to the Zocalo.

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