5 Beautiful Churches in Mexico

Most visit Mexico for sun, surf and culinary delights, but there's something to be said for the grand architecture found in its cathedrals and churches. You'll find neoclassical, baroque, indigenous and Spanish colonial influences in these sacred places throughout the country. We look at five of the most beautiful churches in Mexico, each with its own special story for you to discover while on vacation in their local area.

Key Takeaways

● The beauty and aura of churches in Mexico offer a unique blend of history, culture and spirituality that makes every visit a truly enriching experience.

● La Catedral De Oaxaca (Oaxaca City): A 16th-century Baroque masterpiece built of green cantera stone, right in the heart of Oaxaca’s bustling Zócalo.

● Parroquia De Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Puerto Vallarta): Crown-topped and festival-filled, this parish blends styles and devotion into Puerto Vallarta’s most iconic landmark.

● La Parroquia De San Miguel Arcángel (San Miguel de Allende): With its pink neo-Gothic spires and storied local legends, it’s the most photographed church in Mexico’s most picturesque town.

● Catedral Metropolitana (Mexico City): The largest church in Latin America, layered with Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical grandeur atop Aztec ruins.

● Iglesia De Santa María Tonantzintla (Cholula): A dazzling blend of Catholic and indigenous artistry, where gold stucco, native motifs and brown-skinned angels fill every inch of its ceilings.

● See them all on a Mexico cruise!

1. La Catedral De Oaxaca, Oaxaca City: Visit the Center of It All

In Oaxaca City, one of the oldest, most culturally rich cities in the country, you'll find some of the most beautiful churches in Mexico. Its splendid cathedral, La Catedral De Oaxaca​, dates back to 1535 and is located in the middle of the ”Zócalo” (town square). It was built using the state's green cantera stone.

Like most churches built over long periods of time, this one has undergone various additions and modifications, one of which came after the earthquake of 1714. The front features an 18th-century baroque-style entrance with two imposing bell towers flanking either side.

Considered a fine example of Baroque architecture with a Neoclassical interior, once inside, you'll find an impressive art collection, including an Italian-made bronze statue of Our Lady of the Assumption (“Nuestra Señora de la Asunción”).

In the south wing, a clock donated to the city by Spanish King Fernando VII hangs proudly, while the baroque pipe organ, restored in 1997, sits on the west wall of the choir. For archeology buffs, the remains of the Holy Huatulco cross, brought here in 1612 from Santa Cruz Bay, Huatulco, are also on display.

2. Parroquia De Nuestra Señora De Guadalupe, Puerto Vallarta: The Crowning Glory

One of the "newer" churches in the country, with its iconic Baroque crown-topped spire, is Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church — a combination of styles, including the Neoclassical main building, Renaissance towers and traditional Mexican folk art details. While it may seem a mishmash, these influences came from the bricklayers, masons, priests and everyday people who all felt invested in creating a beautiful church they could call their own. This is easily one of the must-see Catholic churches in Mexico.

The church got its start in the early 20th century as a temple in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Then, in 1915, Father Francisco Ayala wanted to dedicate the building as a tribute to the original Guadalupe Church in Mexico City.

The church's crown, visible throughout Puerto Vallarta, is said to be fashioned after the crown that Empress Carlotta wore in 1864. The truth is that it was designed by Don Rafael Parra Castillo, a priest who also created the church tower. Another artist, Esteban Ávalos Haro, completed the cross and sphere that you see today on top of the crown.

You'll hear the church bells toll on any given day, especially during festivals honoring the Virgin of Guadalupe that take place during the first 12 days of December. If you like street processions, mariachi music and festive food thrown in with your devotion, this is the perfect time to visit.

Should you want to see these marvels first-hand, then take advantage of Royal Caribbean cruise deals and our numerous cruises to Mexico that include Puerto Vallarta as a port of call.

3. La Parroquia De San Miguel Arcángel, San Miguel De Allende: Picture Perfect

As a local favorite for travel photographers, the 17th-century parish church of San Miguel de Allende (aka “La Parroquia De San Miguel Arcángel”) is a much-photographed pink-hued monolith, making it one of the most beautiful churches in Mexico. Located 170 miles (273.59 km) outside of Mexico City in the UNESCO World Heritage-designated city of San Miguel de Allende, this church is recognizable by its iconic neo-Gothic "wedding cake" towers. They were designed by indigenous bricklayer and self-taught architect Zeferino Gutierrez in the late 19th century.

The story goes that he saw similar structures on postcards and lithographs of European Gothic churches and drew inspiration from these. Inside, the church follows its original layout: Left of the main altar, you'll find the revered "Señor de la Conquista" (Christ of the Conquest) image, made in Pátzcuaro from cornstalk paste and orchid bulbs by the indigenous people of Michoacan.

Under the altar, there's a crypt that holds the remains of former church bishops and others, including a former Mexican president. The crypt is open to the public every year on November 2nd, the Day of the Dead.

4. Catedral Metropolitana, Mexico City: The Biggest Church of Them All

Mexico City's Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven is a bit of a mouthful, and it is also the largest church in all of Latin America. Also referred to as the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, it sits​ in the historic city center in the Plaza de la Constitución — an imposing structure that took almost 250 years to complete.

You’ll find it perched atop a former sacred Aztec neighborhood near the Templo Mayor. It was built in sections, starting in 1573, around an original church built there after the Spanish conquest of Tenochtitlan. The style is primarily Gothic as a reflection of the style of Spanish architect Claudio de Arciniega's home country's churches.

As with most churches that took a long time to complete, several other architectural styles were also incorporated. Apart from Gothic, you'll find Baroque, Neoclassical and Mexican churrigueresque represented.

5. Iglesia De Santa María Tonantzintla, Cholula: The Maximalist Church

For an experience of Christian churches in Mexico, located west of Puebla, there’s a stand-out in Cholula: the St. María Tonantzintla Church, with its colorful mix of Christian and indigenous motifs. About when the “Iglesia De Santa María Tonantzintla”​ was built, it is believed that construction started in the late 17th century as an adaptation of the nearby Rosary Chapel (“Capilla del Rosario”). Both share intricate and ornate interiors, with the St. María church taking a maximalist, indigenous Baroque approach.

Many traveling to Mexico often visit to see the church's interior as it is covered in gilded gold stucco molding, colorful figures, flowers, fruits, brown-skinned angels, masks, birds and decorative, abstract designs. An overall regional approach to design exists here that experts say is rarely found in post-Spanish-colonial churches.

Interesting Facts, Tips and Recommendations

Visiting churches in Mexico is not only about admiring architecture — it’s also about uncovering fascinating stories, local traditions and travel-friendly tips that enrich your experience: 

● Most famous church in Mexico: The Metropolitan Cathedral (“Catedral Metropolitana”) in Mexico City, the grand seat of the Catholic Archdiocese and the largest cathedral in the Americas.

● Most church-friendly town in Mexico: Cholula is said to have 365 churches — one for every day of the year. In reality, it’s closer to 40, making it a fascinating blend of myth and history.

● Pre-visit preparations: Check opening hours, entry fees and local festival calendars in advance, and remember to dress modestly. For the best experience, try visiting early in the morning when churches are quieter and the light is perfect for photography.

● Nearby attractions: Consider a culinary-inspired side mission (or two) when visiting each of our five suggested Mexican churches:

◦ La Catedral De Oaxaca, Oaxaca City: After visiting the cathedral, stroll over to the Museo de las Culturas and then grab a tlayuda at Mercado 20 de Noviembre, all within a 5-minute walk.

◦ Parroquia De Nuestra Señora De Guadalupe, Puerto Vallarta: Pair your church visit with a walk along the Malecón boardwalk and stop for fresh seafood tacos at a beachside café nearby.

◦ La Parroquia De San Miguel Arcángel, San Miguel De Allende: Enjoy the lively Jardín Allende square right outside the church, then sip a coffee at a rooftop café with stunning views of the pink spires.

◦ Catedral Metropolitana, Mexico City: Step out into the Zócalo to explore the Palacio Nacional and Templo Mayor ruins, then try traditional dishes at the historic Café de Tacuba just a short walk away.

◦ Iglesia De Santa María Tonantzintla, Cholula: After admiring the church’s ornate interior, head to the nearby Great Pyramid of Cholula and end the day with a cup of hot chocolate and churros in the town plaza.

Appreciate Stunning Church Architecture When You Cruise to Mexico

Each of these famous churches in Mexico tells a story that goes beyond architecture. They embody the nation’s rich fusion of history, culture and faith. From Oaxaca’s colonial grandeur and Puerto Vallarta’s festive spirit to San Miguel’s romantic spires, Mexico City’s monumental cathedral and Cholula’s indigenous artistry, these sacred spaces offer cruise visitors sightseeing stops and windows into the heart and soul of Mexico.

If you’re on a short Mexican getaway or searching for tips for how to plan a cruise for the first time, visiting these churches will add unforgettable depth to your journey.