Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City
Built atop the capital of the Aztec empire, Tenochtitlan, Mexico City’s Metropolitan Cathedral exemplifies the dynamic nature of a city and nation influenced by its indigenous and colonial histories. The Cathedral complex is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mexico and is composed of four buildings: the cathedral, the sagrario or sacristy, the Capilla de las Animas, and the Ex curia building. The expansively ornate cathedral draws visitors from around the world and remains an active religious center for Mexicans today.
3D model of Retablo de los Reyea, Mexico City Cathedral by CyArkCyArk
The Retablo de los Reyes "Altar of the Kings"
Known as the golden grotto, the incredibly ornate altar is found within the central nave of the cathedral.
The work stretches from floor to ceiling, measuring 25 meters in height and 13 meters in width.
At the top of this dramatic altar, God the Father is depicted holding an orb and wearing a red cloak.
The baroque altar features a number of kings and queens canonized by the catholic church. The figures are organized hierarchically with more important figures located higher up on the altar.
Learn More with Dr. Ignacio Lanzagorta
Dr. Lanzagorta is an expert on Mexico City's architectural history and studies the anthropology of urban space, place, historical centers and patrimonialization.
Open Heritage 3D Graphic by CyArkCyArk
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