Puebla Cathedral

Infobox Historic building

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caption =Puebla Cathedral
name =Puebla Cathedral
location_town =Puebla
location_country =Mexico
architect =Francisco Becerra
client =
engineer =
construction_start_date=1575
completion_date =1690
date_demolished =
cost =
structural_system=
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Puebla Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in the city of Puebla, in Puebla, Mexico. It is a colonial cathedral, and is the see of the Archbishopric of Puebla. The cathedral's bishop is Rosendo Huesca. The cathedral is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception.cite news |first=Gretchen R. |last=Crowe |title= City of Puebla Shines as Mexican ‘Jewel’ |url=http://www.catholicherald.com/articles/06articles/puebla.htm |work=Catholic Herald |date=2006-12-14 |accessdate=2008-05-17]

History

Construction of the cathedral began in November 1575, the architect being Francisco Becerra. Construction was stopped in 1626, and was subsequently restarted in 1640 when the bishop of Puebla, Juan de Palafox, was ordered by the king to finish it. It was mostly completed eight years after. On April 18 1649, the temple was consecrated in honor of the Virgin Mary. It was not entirely completed until 1690.

The front façade was built out of a black canther, and it has two towers, the tallest in Mexico, one of which has no bells. According to legend, an underground river passes under that tower and if bells were placed in it, the tower would collapse.

Interior

The interior of the cathedral contains many artistic artefacts that are found in its 14 lateral chapels and the altar mayor. Its principal altar is referred to as "The Major Altar", or "The Altar of the Kings", which was designed by Manuel Tolsa and built between 1797 and 1818. Some bishops of Puebla are buried under it. Across most of the rear wall of the cathedral is a Blessed Sacrament chapel.

References

External links

* [http://www.tam.itesm.mx/art/colonial/icolon17.htm The Cathedrals in Puebla and Mexico City]
* [http://www.sacred-destinations.com/mexico/puebla-cathedral.htm Puebla Cathedral - Puebla, Mexico]
* [http://gomexico.about.com/od/colonialcities/ss/puebla_walking_2.htm Puebla's Cathedral]