Visiting the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires
The origins of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires date back to the end of the 16th century. In 1580, Juan de Garay, the founder of the Argentine capital, decided to build the first major church in the newly conquered territory. The structure evolved over time to become the cathedral we see today. Its unique style comes from European architects who blended 18th and 19th-century influences with much older foundations, drawing inspiration from Greco-Roman antiquity. The gilded wood altar in the main chapel, dating to 1785, is a remnant of the church's colonial beginnings. Today, the cathedral is known for its twelve ancient columns on the facade. These symbolically represent the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Above the columns, engravings depict the reunion of Joseph with his brothers and his father Jacob. Other elements worth exploring include the side aisles, tombs, frescoes, and several pieces of antique furniture displayed inside.
Sacred Art
Beyond its role as a place of worship, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires holds significant appeal for art lovers. Visitors can view the Via Crucis (Stations of the Cross) paintings created by Italian artist Francesco Domenighini. Numerous guided tours provide context on different sections of the cathedral, including the workshop, mausoleum, main sanctuary, crypt, and choir. One event is particularly well-suited for a meditative experience: the Nochebuena, the largest midnight mass in the country held on Christmas Eve.
A colonial-style cathedral that is worth visiting.