|
The Metropolitan Cathedral
 The cathedral and its vestry represent
a synthesis of art forms in New Spain.
Penetrating its imposing sun-bathed baroque and neoclassical facade, the visitor
enters the ethereal half-light of this hallowed shrine, with its five separate naves,
its side chapels, and its sacred religious icons. The religious ceremonies are performed
with the full dignity of the Catholic faith and, with a little luck, it may be possible
to hear the strains of one of the cathedral's monumental organs. The City's soft
clay subsoil, subject to continuous movement over the years, has propitiated the
gradual sinking of many building such as the cathedral, and sophisticated restoration
works, partially visible, have prevented its collapse.
Exterior harmony
This monumental structure
which today dominates Mexico's main square -the Zocalo- is not the same
as that which initially replaced the Templo
Mayor in 1572 the Archbishop Pedro Moya de Contreras laid the first
stone which, after 42 symbolic years, was inaugurated by the Viceroy
Duke of Alburquerque and was later re-dedicated in 1667 by the Viceroy
Mancera.
The cathedral had the privilege
of introducing new architectural styles that subsequently flourished
throughout New Spain. Classic evolves into neoclassic and envelops the
baroque play of style without detracting from it in any way. Much of
this is owed to Manuel Tolsa who added the final touches to the project
in 1813 by adding the balustrade and by enlarging the central cupola.
The exquisite interior
Crossing the threshold
framed by the magnificent main doors carved in 1659 leads the visitor
into a more subtle world, geared towards uplifting the soul with a spirituality
that permeates the senses: magnificent fluted columns which soar upward
and return to earth in a display of infinite motion akin to the sounds
produced by the monumental organs, exquisitely carved the wooden benches
crowned by a lectern, golden galleries of the organs and the resplendent
relief backdrop of the Altar of Forgiveness.
After exiting the cathedral
the adjoining vestry can be visited, the sober interior of which provides
a sharp contrast to its capricious exterior facade. There is a difference
of almost five feet between the levels of the opposing walls of the
cathedral's huge structure, which stoically resists the vagaries of
the urban landscape caused by the hustle and bustle of City life.
[Guided tours]
|
