Cathedral

The second place you must include is a visit to Mexico City’s fabulous zócalo (main square). This in an incredible, huge plaza capturing the magic of Mexico’s past and present. It is surrounded by handsome Colonial buildings and dominated on one side by a superb cathedral, all built upon, and with the stones from, the mighty Aztec city that previously occupied the site. Wander through the square admiring its majesty and, of course, visit the breathtaking cathedral.  This superb structure is the largest cathedral in Latin America and certainly one of its most beautiful. Sadly, today this Colonial monument is slowly sinking into the soft floor of the ancient lake bed that still lies under modern Mexico City, and there seems little can be done to maintain it. The cathedral took almost 300 years to complete and during that time architectural styles from many periods, from classical to baroque, were incorporated into it. Its façade is glorious, enhanced by 67-meter-high twin bell towers with a series of bells on various levels. Between the bell towers is a clock tower, adorned with statues of Faith, Hope, and Charity. In the center of the building there is a huge, gold dome, reminiscent of St. Peter’s in Rome. Inside, the magnificence of the richly embellished church continues, with beautiful oil paintings, exquisitely decorated statues, magnificently carved choir stalls, and the Altar de Los Reyes, which is an ornate baroque masterpiece.