Metropolitan Basilica Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and San Felipe and Santiago

The Metropolitan Basilica Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and San Felipe and Santiago is the principal Roman Catholic cathedral of Montevideo, located in the old town. The present building dates from the turn of the 19th century and serves as the archbishop’s seat.

The interior contains the main nave, side chapels and a mausoleum containing the remains of national leader José Artigas, which makes the cathedral an important site for national ceremonies. The architecture combines elements typical of late 18th and early 19th century ecclesiastical design.

Construction of the current church began in the late 18th century and the building was completed and consecrated in the early 19th century. It has served continuously as Montevideo’s principal cathedral since that period.

The cathedral faces the principal plaza of Ciudad Vieja (Plaza Matriz) in central Montevideo and is within walking distance of government buildings and other historic sites.

• Location in the city: The cathedral sits on the north side of the main square of Montevideo’s old town and is part of the city’s principal civic and religious axis.
• Notable interior feature: The building contains a mausoleum with the remains of Uruguay’s national hero, José Artigas, a focal point for national commemorations.

The cathedral faces Plaza Independencia in Ciudad Vieja and is easily reached on foot from the city centre or by city buses that stop in the historic district.

• Visit when the cathedral doors open to see liturgical furniture and side chapels with fewer people.
• Combine the visit with a walk through Ciudad Vieja and Plaza Independencia to see the city's political and cultural heart.
• Look for weekday morning masses to hear local choral practice-these are often informal and accessible.