Metropolitan Cathedral of Montevideo

We're here! In front of us we have the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica, or as you will hear almost all Uruguayans call it: the Mother Church. We are right in the heart of the Old City, in front of Plaza Constitución. Take a moment to contemplate its neoclassical façade. Although today it looks impeccable and majestic, the history of this temple dates back to the viceregal era. It all started back in 1740 with a small, rather humble brick church. However, in 1790 the foundation stone of the current building was laid, initially designed by the Spanish architect Tomás Toribio, although later the Italian Bernardo Poncini finished giving it the appearance with which it welcomes us today. A fascinating historical detail is that the temple was consecrated in 1804, when Uruguay did not even exist as an independent country. Today, the cathedral is not only a National Historic Monument cataloged since 1975, but the most important Catholic temple in Montevideo. Solemn ceremonies presided over by the Archbishop are celebrated here, but it also maintains a very active parish life, with frequent weddings and choral concerts thanks to its fantastic acoustics. If you look at the dedication of the temple, it is consecrated to the Immaculate Conception and the patron saints of the city, San Felipe and Santiago. Before you cross the door, I'll tell you a couple of fascinating curiosities...

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