Cathedral Basilica of Zacatecas

The Cathedral Basilica of Zacatecas is the principal Roman Catholic cathedral in the city of Zacatecas, Mexico, renowned for its highly ornate Baroque façade carved in pink volcanic stone. The building’s decorative front and twin towers dominate the city’s main plaza and form a defining element of Zacatecas’ historic centre.

Inside, the cathedral contains multiple chapels and richly decorated altarpieces that reflect 17th- and 18th-century ecclesiastical art and ornament. The combination of an exuberant exterior and richly furnished interior makes it one of northern Mexico’s most important colonial-era churches.

Construction and decorative campaigns took place across the colonial period, with the present façade and much of the current interior ornament produced in the 18th century as Zacatecas prospered from nearby silver mining. The cathedral has been conserved as a central religious and civic monument since Mexican independence.

Situated on the principal plaza in Zacatecas’ historic centre, the cathedral is surrounded by colonial streets and other public buildings and forms part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage urban area.

• Façade importance: The cathedral's ornate pink stone façade is a landmark of Zacatecas and a frequent subject of architectural study and photography.
• UNESCO context: Located within Zacatecas' historic centre, the cathedral lies on the principal plaza and is part of the city's UNESCO-listed urban ensemble.

What to See #

• Main façade: The richly carved main Baroque façade faces the city's main square and is a noted example of Mexican Churrigueresque stone carving dating to the 18th century.
• Interior altarpieces: Interior chapels, altarpieces and the main altar contain gilded Baroque and Neo-classical elements installed across the 17th and 18th centuries.