Catedral Metropolitana

Xalapa


A mélange of neo-Gothic and baroque, Xalapa’s cathedral lacks a second tower but still impresses with its scale and grandiosity. The architecture makes full use of the steep hillside location to inspire awe as you enter, forcing you to raise your head to see the altar and giant crucifix centerpiece.

The church contains the remains of St Rafael Guízar y Valencia, beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1995.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Xalapa attractions

1. Palacio de Gobierno

0.04 MILES

Veracruz' state government occupies a palatial neoclassical building. On its north and east facades, under the arcades, are superb murals depicting…

3. Parque Juárez

0.09 MILES

Xalapa's central main square doubles as a terrace, with its south side overlooking the valley below and, in clear weather, the snowcapped cone of Pico de…

4. El Ágora de la Ciudad

0.09 MILES

This modern municipal art gallery, hosting a variety of temporary exhibitions, includes an auditorium that is used for film screenings and other events.

5. Pinacoteca Diego Rivera

0.11 MILES

This small gallery houses a modest collection of Rivera’s works, and also exhibits paintings by other Mexican artists.

6. Museo Casa de Xalapa

0.12 MILES

For a quick exposé of Xalapan history, head to this museum in an old colonial house close to Parque Juárez. Exhibits (in Spanish) run the gamut from…

7. Casa de Lago

0.27 MILES

Check out what's on at the cultural center of Universidad Veracruzana – there are often free concerts and other events in the evenings as well as…

8. Parque Paseo de los Lagos

0.35 MILES

Xalapeños escape the monstrous traffic just south of Parque Juárez in this serendipitous park, which has 3km of delightful lakeside paths, most commonly…

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