In 1529 a Franciscan monastery was rebuilt into today’s cathedral
On the corner of Hidalgo Street and Morelos the fortress-like structure with which the building was begun in 1533 goes back to Hernán Cortés. The side portal of the church has a colonial Plateresque façade. Over the gable, the symbols crown, cross, skull and crossbones are framed by an insignia-like architectural element. The interior of the cathedral was restored in the 1950s and in the process earlier murals came to light. They show 24 Mexican monks from the Franciscan order set sail for a mission to Japan and then their crucifixion in 1597. In the back of the monastery is a chapel of the Third Order with the typical Mexican Baroque façade. The beautiful wood-carved altar (1735) shows a definite Indian influence. The same is true for the façade with a small figure that is meant to depict Hernán Cortés. Attached to the cathedral is the open chapel (capilla abierta) with a dome resting on three arches. Two bracing columns strengthen the centre columns. The cloister of the monastery contains murals depicting the origins of the Franciscan order. Every Sunday at 11am, a popular Mass with Mariachi music takes place. The Mariachis also give a performance in the cathedral on Sunday evenings.
