The cathedral fronts the Plaza 31 de Marzo with a facade painted in ochre, white and rust and framed by white plaster mouldings, the most photographed building in the city. Begun in 1528 and rebuilt after earthquakes in 1545 and 1816, it holds a gilded 17th-century pulpit and a Baroque retablo of the Virgin of the Rosary. Structural damage from the September 2017 earthquake closed the building for five years of restoration under the national reconstruction programme, and it reopened for worship with its towers rebuilt.
The cathedral fronts the Plaza 31 de Marzo with a facade painted in ochre, white and rust and framed by white plaster mouldings, making it the most photographed single building in San Cristobal de las Casas. First built in 1528 and substantially rebuilt after earthquakes in 1545 and 1816, the interior holds a gilded 17th-century pulpit and a baroque retablo dedicated to the Virgin of the Rosary, more restrained than the exterior colour suggests. The September 2017 earthquake caused serious structural damage that closed the building for roughly five years of restoration carried out under the national reconstruction programme, with both towers rebuilt before it reopened for worship. A visit to the interior takes about half an hour, and the building is best appreciated from outside in the plaza rather than as a lengthy stop. Early evening is the standout time to see it, when the facade is floodlit against the darkening sky and marimba musicians typically set up to play in the plaza in front of it, turning the visit into a longer, more atmospheric stop than the church alone would justify.
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily 9:00AM-1:30PM and 4:30PM-8:00PM; Mass times vary and the nave closes to sightseers during services
- Best time
- Early evening, when the facade is floodlit and marimba players set up in the plaza
Location
Plaza 31 de Marzo, Guadalupe Victoria s/n, Centro, 29200 San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico
16.7371, -92.6379 View on map
Highlights
- Ochre, white and rust baroque facade fronting Plaza 31 de Marzo
- Gilded 17th-century pulpit inside the nave
- Baroque retablo of the Virgin of the Rosary
- Post-2017-earthquake restored bell towers
- Evening floodlighting with marimba musicians in the plaza
Tips for visiting
- Visit at dusk for the floodlit facade and evening marimba performances in the plaza
- Check for Mass times before visiting, as the nave closes to sightseers during services
- Combine with a walk around the surrounding pedestrian streets of the historic centre
- The plaza itself is the best vantage point for photographing the full facade
- Dress modestly if visiting during a service out of respect for worshippers
When to visit
Early evening, when the facade is floodlit and marimba players typically perform in the plaza in front of it.
Accessibility
The plaza and cathedral entrance are on level, paved ground, making the exterior and nave accessible to wheelchairs, though the interior floor includes some uneven older stonework.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the cathedral take?
About thirty minutes for the interior; many visitors linger longer in the plaza outside for photographs and the evening marimba.
Is the cathedral worth it for kids?
The colourful facade and lively plaza in front of it make for an easy, low-key stop for families, more than the church interior alone.
Is photography allowed inside the cathedral?
Photography is generally permitted outside of Mass times, though visitors should be discreet if a service is underway.
Is there an entrance fee for the cathedral?
No, the cathedral is free to enter.