Guadalajara Cathedral facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Guadalajara Cathedral |
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| Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady | |
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Catedral Basílica de la Asunción de María Santísima (Spanish)
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Guadalajara Cathedral
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| Location | Guadalajara, Mexico |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| Tradition | Roman Rite |
| History | |
| Status | Cathedral, Minor basilica |
| Dedication | Assumption of Mary |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Martín Casillas |
| Style | Spanish Renaissance |
| Groundbreaking | 31 July 1561 |
| Completed | 1618 |
| Administration | |
| Archdiocese | Guadalajara |
The Guadalajara Cathedral is a very important church in Guadalajara, Mexico. Its full name is the Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady. It is the main Roman Catholic church for the area and is also known as a minor basilica.
The cathedral is famous for its beautiful Spanish Renaissance architecture style. However, its tall, pointy towers are built in a different style called neo-Gothic.
Contents
A Look Back: The Cathedral's History
Building the First Church
The very first church on this spot was built in 1541. It was a simple building made of adobe, which is like sun-dried mud bricks. It had a roof made of straw.
In 1548, the area around Guadalajara became a special church district called a diocese. This meant the simple church became the city's main cathedral.
Fires, Earthquakes, and New Towers
On May 30, 1574, something unexpected happened during a church service. People outside fired guns into the air. Some of the bullets fell onto the cathedral and started a big fire. This fire badly damaged the building.
So, work began on a brand new cathedral. King Felipe II ordered this new building in 1561. The famous architect Martín Casillas designed it. Building took a long time because there wasn't much money.
The new cathedral was finally finished in February 1618. In April of that year, important religious items were moved from the old church to the new one. However, the cathedral wasn't officially blessed until October 12, 1716.
In 1818, a strong earthquake hit the city. This caused the cathedral's towers and its large dome to fall down. New towers and a dome were built to replace them. But then, another earthquake in 1849 destroyed these new structures too!
The current towers were designed by an architect named Manuel Gómez Ibarra. It took three years to build them, and they were finished in 1854. Later, a special church leader called Pope Pius XII gave the cathedral the important title of a minor basilica.
Ongoing Challenges and Treasures Inside
Even today, the cathedral faces challenges. It has been damaged by several earthquakes over the years, including ones in 1932, 1957, 1979, 1985, 1995, and 2003. One of the towers is slightly leaning, and the dome has some damage.
The cathedral is quite large, covering an area of about 77.8 by 72.75 meters. Inside, you can find many altars dedicated to different saints. These include Our Lady of the Assumption, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Our Lady of Zapopan, who is the special patron saint of Guadalajara.
The main altar is made of beautiful marble and silver. The colorful stained glass windows, which let light stream into the church, were brought all the way from France.
The cathedral also holds some interesting historical items. You can find the mummified body of Santa Innocencia, a young girl from the 1700s. The remains of several important church leaders, including three cardinals and bishops, are also kept here.
See also
- Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan
- List of basilicas
Images for kids
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Royal Decree (Real cédula) of 1649 signed by Juan Bautista Sáenz Navarrete so that the construction of the Cathedral of Guadalajara, Mexico, is finished soon.
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Crypt of Guadalajara Cathedral
