The Capital Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Heaven is the main cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mexico.
A military parade is held every year near the cathedral in honor of the country’s Independence Day. Which can also be observed via a webcam.
Situated on the remains of a former Aztec sacred site near the Templo Mayor on the north side of Constitution Square (Zocalo) in the historic center of Mexico City, this cathedral is an architectural and religious marvel.
Its construction continued over a long period, from 1573 to 1813 evolving around the original church built shortly after the Spanish conquest of Tenochtitlan and eventually replacing it entirely. Claudio de Arciniega, a Spanish architect, developed the design, taking inspiration from the Gothic cathedrals of Spain.
The long duration of construction, lasting almost 250 years meant that virtually all the major architects, painters, sculptors, gilders and other artists of the viceroyalty contributed to the construction at some point. This long period also contributed to the unification of various architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque, Churrigueresque and Neoclassical, as they gained popularity over the centuries. This also made it possible to decorate its interior with a rich array of decorations, paintings, sculptures and furniture.
The project had enormous social significance, serving as a center of social unity, spanning several generations and social strata, including church authorities, statesmen and various religious orders.