Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral Church

Address: Catedral Metropolitana, Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Website: https://catedralbuenosaires.ar/

Hours: Daily 7:00am-7:00pm (may vary for services)

Admission: Free (entrance to the cathedral), guided tours may have a fee

The Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral is the principal Roman Catholic church of Argentina’s capital, serving as the seat of the Archbishop and as the city’s main cathedral.

The cathedral features a prominent classical façade facing Plaza de Mayo, interior chapels and religious artworks, and a notable mausoleum containing the remains of General José de San Martín. It functions both as an active place of worship and a frequent stop for tourists in the city centre.

The site has hosted successive churches since the colonial period; the present building reflects later architectural phases and 19th-century work on the façade and interior. It has been the centre of major civic and religious events in Buenos Aires for centuries.

Located on Plaza de Mayo in the historic heart of Buenos Aires, the cathedral fronts the city’s main civic square and lies within walking distance of the presidential palace and central government buildings.

• Central location and function: Sits on the Plaza de Mayo in central Buenos Aires and serves as the main Roman Catholic church of the city and the seat of the Archbishop.
• Papal association: Has long associations with Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, later Pope Francis, who served in Buenos Aires prior to his election to the papacy.

What to See#

• Mausoleum of General San Martín: A marble mausoleum containing the remains of General José de San Martín, a leader of South American independence movements, is housed within the cathedral.

Located on Plaza de Mayo in downtown Buenos Aires, the cathedral is easily reached by subway (Line A to Perú or Line D to Catedral) or by numerous bus routes that stop at or near Plaza de Mayo. It is within walking distance of the Casa Rosada.

• Arrive at Plaza de Mayo early in the morning to watch the light on the cathedral's façade and avoid crowds.
• Check the schedule for masses; the cathedral is an active parish and some areas may be closed during religious services.
• Look for the crypt where General José de San Martín (whose remains were transferred here in 1880) is honored - the mausoleum is a focal point of national memory.