On the central square of the capital of Mexico - Mexico City - is the main cathedral, one of the largest and most magnificent in Latin America, the second largest in North America. Its history goes back to the far Middle Ages, when the Spanish conquistadors who arrived on the continent began to analyze the pyramids created by the Aztecs. From white stone blocks and granite slabs, they began to build their Catholic cathedral.
Construction began in 1573. Architects immediately experienced difficulties with the installation of the foundation. It was a difficult job and it lasted for almost 8 years, when the foundation, which had finally grown in different directions, became strong enough so that walls could be erected on it. It was not until 1623 that the workers were able to begin the construction of the altar, although the blue sky still shone above their heads.
In 1629, construction had to be interrupted - due to heavy rains, water poured from a nearby lake, the canals overflowed and overflowed. The city was flooded by two meters. Periodically, fluctuations in the soil were noted, which caused concern for the fate of the foundation and the erected walls. And yet, a gigantic stone structure withstood the elements. However, work was resumed only in 1667, when the creation of the altar and the decoration of the cathedral, which still had no roof, bell tower and main portal, continued.
So the cathedral was adopted in 1787 by the new architect José Davian Ortiz de Castro, proceeding with the creation of bell towers, a portal and a roof. He did a lot to complete the work, but did not have time to finish what he started - he died in 1973. And again, there were problems finding an architect.
The Spanish architect and sculptor Manuel Tolsa, a graduate of the Royal Academy of Arts in Madrid, who had experience in building various urban structures, agreed to participate in the construction of the cathedral. It was during his reign that the cathedral acquired its visible and final features - two belfries with 25 bells cast in bronze appeared, the main carved portal, color stained-glass windows were inserted into the windows. And most importantly, the altar of Forgiveness was completed, carved from marble and decorated with onyx and gold. It was the best work of Tols himself.
In 1831, the cathedral was completely completed and consecrated in a solemn atmosphere at the meeting of many thousands of people. In total, the temple was built 240 years. The main facade of the cathedral faces south into the depths of the continent. At the central portal are sculptures of the apostles Peter and Paul. And above the cathedral itself is the relief of the Virgin Mary, to whom the temple is dedicated.
