Construction of Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral (jan 1, 1573 – jan 1, 1813)

Description:

Upon the arrival and conquest of Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes between 1519-1521, Cortes and his men defeated the Mexica and took Tenochtitlan in 1521. In establishing the Viceroyalty of New Spain, Cortes decided the capital of New Spain was to be Tenochtitlan. As a sign of conquest and brutal colonization, Cortes and his men destroyed the Templo Mayor and buried what remained. The stones from Templo Mayor were reused in the construction of the Metropolitan Cathedral, which was built directly across from the Templo Mayor. Designed by Spanish architect Claudio de Arciniega, the Cathedral took nearly 250 to be constructed. During this period, numerous architectural styles and ecclesiastical art were incorporated into the Cathedral. During the colonial period, the Cathedral served as a reminder of the successful conquest over the Mexica, with numerous artistic and architectural pieces incorporating Mexica skulls. The Cathedral remains central to Mexican cultural identity and is a monument in the Zócalo.

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