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| Cathedral of Buenos Aires | |
|---|---|
| Name | Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires |
| Native name | Catedral Metropolitana de Buenos Aires |
| Location | Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic Church |
| Consecrated date | 1822 |
| Architect | Antonio Guttero; others |
| Style | Neoclassical |
| Years built | 1770–1852 |
Cathedral of Buenos Aires is the principal Roman Catholic church in Buenos Aires, seat of the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires and a prominent landmark on Plaza de Mayo near Casa Rosada, Cabildo of Buenos Aires, and Avenida de Mayo. The cathedral serves as the metropolitan church for the Roman Catholicism in Argentina hierarchy, has hosted ceremonies involving figures such as José de San Martín, Juan Perón, and Pope Francis, and stands within the historic core of Buenos Aires (city centre) and San Nicolás, Buenos Aires.
The site hosted successive churches since the 16th century, dating from early colonization under the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, with ties to leaders like Pedro de Mendoza and celebrations linked to the May Revolution. Colonial-era structures were modified through the 17th and 18th centuries amidst rivalries involving Spanish Empire authorities and local elites, later affected by independence figures including Manuel Belgrano and José de San Martín. In the 19th century, after Argentine independence and urban reforms by officials such as Juan Bautista Alberdi and during periods influenced by Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, the present Neoclassical façade and reforms were completed under architects and engineers interacting with European currents from France and Italy, culminating in its consecration in 1822 and later modifications through the mid-1800s under leaders like Juan Manuel de Rosas and Justo José de Urquiza.
The cathedral's exterior features a Neoclassical façade with columns inspired by Pantheon, Rome and echoes of projects from Andrea Palladio and Étienne-Louis Boullée, employing a pronaos with Corinthian columns facing Plaza de Mayo and aligning along Avenida Rivadavia vistas toward Congress of the Argentine Nation. Architectural phases included work by local and European architects influenced by trends from Neoclassicism, Baroque architecture remnants, and adaptations responding to urban plans by figures such as Carlos Thays. The bell tower and side elevations reference colonial masonry practices seen in other regional monuments like the Cabildo of Córdoba and draw parallels with cathedral projects in Lima and Santiago, Chile.
The cathedral interior contains chapels, altars, and a main nave decorated with artworks by artists associated with religious commissions in Argentina and Europe, including paintings, altarpieces, and sculptural works linked to devotional traditions such as Marian devotion, the veneration of San Martín and tomb monuments. Notable elements include the mausoleum of José de San Martín modeled after European monumental tombs, frescoes and oil paintings in dialogue with schools from Spain and Italy, and liturgical objects connected to historic rites practiced by clergy from the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires and orders like the Jesuits and Dominicans.
As the cathedral of the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, the building hosts major liturgical celebrations tied to the Roman Rite, ordinations of clergy appointed by the Holy See, and state ceremonies involving presidents of Argentina and delegations from foreign governments such as Spain and Vatican City. The cathedral has been the episcopal seat of prelates including Jorge Mario Bergoglio (later Pope Francis), who presided there before his election to the papacy, and figures like Cardinal Antonio Quarracino; it also participates in national religious observances referencing events like Semana Santa and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Beyond liturgy, the cathedral functions as a venue for civic commemorations on dates such as the May Revolution anniversary and state funerals for personalities from the worlds of politics and culture associated with institutions like the Argentine Army, Universidad de Buenos Aires, and national archives. It anchors heritage routes connecting Casa Rosada, Teatro Colón, and museums such as the Museo del Bicentenario, and figures in cultural production including literature about Buenos Aires, music linked to Tango cultural narratives, and visual arts exhibitions that engage with the city's identity.
Conservation efforts have involved Argentine cultural bodies and heritage agencies working in concert with international specialists from institutions like those in UNESCO member states, employing methods used in restoration projects for sites such as La Recoleta Cemetery and colonial churches across Latin America. Interventions addressed structural consolidation, stonework cleaning, and preservation of painted surfaces and tomb monuments, overseen by governmental entities including Argentina's cultural heritage offices and local academic partners from universities such as the Universidad de Buenos Aires.
Located at Plaza de Mayo near the Casa Rosada and accessible from stations on the Buenos Aires Underground and major avenues such as Avenida de Mayo, the cathedral is open for public worship, guided visits, and cultural events subject to liturgical schedules and national holidays like Independence Day (Argentina). Visitors often combine trips with tours to nearby landmarks including the Cabildo of Buenos Aires, Avenida 9 de Julio, and museums such as the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes; practical information is provided by the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires and municipal tourism offices.
Category:Roman Catholic cathedrals in Argentina Category:Buildings and structures in Buenos Aires