More to see then you think.
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 5/10/06
It is difficult to find where to start with this place. I�ve visited the Cathedral at least once a year since I was a child and each time I go back I discover something new.
The Cathedral is in the middle of four parks which are laid out to depict a cross with the church being the center. This church took a couple of hundred years to complete and is a mixture of different architectural styles.
Starting with the main part of the church look to your left and you will see one of the Cathedral�s most treasured religious relics, the Incorruptible Saint Innocence. She was brought back from Romania and is a Martyr Saint that was killed by her own Father because she was converting to Catholicism; she looks to be about 8 years old at the time of her untimely death. She is several hundred years old and is dressed in her communion clothes. She always has a crowd around her so the best time to see her up close is early in the morning.
There are several altars, more then 10 that lead to the main altar. These altars were a gift from either Spain or France (don't remember which). Each is very elaborate and dedicated to a specific Saint. Also look at the antique confessionals that are still used today.
Check out the catwalk around the main alter, and take a look at elaborate detail on the pulpit. Don't forget to look at the dome behind the altar, there is beautiful depiction of the Ascension of the Virgin on it. Most of the art work in the Cathedral is priceless.
There are several cardinals buried in basement behind the altar. This is accessible on Sunday afternoons only. There are also several cardinals and priests buried through out the Cathedral in the altars leading up to the main altar.
Go all the way around the church on the outside and you will find an impressive sarcophagus in one of the side entries which leads in to a large church that is an addition to the main church. This area is also the final resting place for a couple of more cardinals and the architecture is amazing.
This church is full of extraordinary works of art some of which are not on display to the public because of their value.
If you are looking for religious articles there are signs that lead you to the church book store. There you can find a variety of interesting religious items such as rosaries, books, pictures etc.
Hope this helps you enjoy your visit to Catedral Metropolitana. But keep in mind that any church in Guadalajara regardless of size is worth stepping in to for a look. Don't let what you see on the outside deceive you into passing it by. You will be totally amazed at what you will find in even the smallest temple.
Keep in mind that this church is in a constant state of renovation because of its age. Items are sometimes moved around or access to some areas may be restricted because a renovation may be in progress.