Catedral de Cuernavaca

The Cathedral of Cuernavaca, officially known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary, is not only a religious site but a living testament to Mexico’s layered history. Built in the 16th century by Franciscan missionaries, it originally formed part of a fortress-like monastery complex designed to aid in the evangelization of the indigenous population after the Spanish conquest. The cathedral is one of the first and oldest Christian structures in the Americas, and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, included in the group of Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatépetl. What sets this cathedral apart is its unique blend of Spanish colonial and indigenous architectural elements. The massive stone walls and fortress-like façade reflect the tensions of the early colonial era, while inside, a recently restored 17th-century mural—once hidden for centuries—depicts the martyrdom of missionaries in Japan, a rare and compelling piece of global missionary history. The surrounding cloisters and chapels are equally striking, and the calm courtyard invites quiet reflection. Whether you are drawn by its architecture, history, or spirituality, the Cathedral of Cuernavaca offers a profound glimpse into Mexico’s colonial past and the enduring legacy of its cultural and religious transformation.

Beautiful architecture with a peaceful, small-town feel Catedral de Cuernavaca is a beautiful, historic church that perfectly fits its peaceful surroundings. The architecture is simple yet elegant, with stone walls and old-world charm that make it feel like stepping back in time. What stood out most was the quiet, village-like atmosphere, a relaxing break from city life. It's a great spot for some calm reflection while appreciating the craftsmanship of the building itself. A beautiful visit for anyone exploring Cuernavaca and wanting a mix of history, architecture, and local tranquility.

Really nice cathedrale especially in the evening its a nice place. You can see some real mummies there!

Excellent walk around. I could add more information but feel if you read the other review they will say everything that I could write. We thoroughly enjoyed walking around the various buildings

Beautiful architecture with much history. The hanging Jesus Christ was breathtaking when first walking into the cathedral. I also checked out their museum and it contained wonder art and historical pieces including relics from the indigenous people found.

Very nice visit while in Cuernavaca. It is worth reading in advance about it and its history before going. There are more than one building and each has its own history

I think there’s some confusion because this complex actually has three churches: a chapel, the old cathedral with a pink façade, and a massive white cathedral with a tall bell tower, a single entrance, and a cross with a skull above it. This review is about the old cathedral of Cuernavaca, the one with the pink façade. From the outside, it looks nothing like the typical cathedrals in Mexico City—its pink color, stone carvings, and overall design are completely different. It’s also quite old, even older than the main cathedrals in Mexico City. Inside, there’s nothing particularly remarkable—it’s a typical cathedral of its time and is still in use. The massive retablo (altar screen) is certainly impressive, but all the ornamentation in Catholic churches tends to make my head spin. You won’t miss it, so there’s no need to tell you it’s worth a visit—you’ll see it anyway.

Because recent earthquakes damaged the cathedral and other church buildings they are closed to the public. See the photo of the cracked church dome. They are great examples of Spanish colonial architecture from the late 1600's to early 1700's. You have to look at them from the outside. The courtyard is still a great place to see them and to stroll. And the church holds services outside in the courtyard on Sunday's.