Sagrario Metropolitano (Metropolitan Tabernacle), Mexico City

Sagrario Metropolitano (Metropolitan Tabernacle), Mexico City

Situated to the right of the Metropolitan Cathedral is the Metropolitan Tabernacle (Sagrario Metropolitano). Built between 1749 and 1760, it is considered a masterpiece of the Churrigueresque Baroque architecture. The structure has a Greek-cross plan and was purposed to house the archives and vestments of the archbishop; it also functioned, and still does, as a place to receive Eucharist and register parishioners.

The tabernacle has two main entrances; one to the south, facing the Zócalo, and the other facing east toward Seminario Street. The porous volcanic rock – tezontle – responsible for the deep-red color is beautifully contrasted by the white stone carvings adorning the exterior.

The southern (main) façade is richly decorated. Here, alongside the carvings of grapes and pomegranates as the ritual offerings symbolizing the Blood of Christ and the Church, you can see the images of apostles, saints, and martyrs, as well as scenes from the Bible and some zoomorphic reliefs, like a rampaging lion and the eagle from the coat of arms of Mexico. The eastern façade, somewhat less elaborate, contains images from the Old Testament and some prominent religious figures like Ignacio de Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order.

The Tabernacle stands on the site of a drained lake and its foundations are slowly sinking because of the unstable subsoil. Efforts are currently underway to stabilize the building and other nearby structures.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Mexico City. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Sagrario Metropolitano (Metropolitan Tabernacle) on Map

Sight Name: Sagrario Metropolitano (Metropolitan Tabernacle)
Sight Location: Mexico City, Mexico (See walking tours in Mexico City)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Mexico City, Mexico

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Historic Center Food Tour

Historic Center Food Tour

A combination of history and tradition in Mexico City permeates all aspects of life, including food. For centuries, food and drink have been an inseparable part of the city's culture. Within Mexico City's bustling historic center, you can find a variety of culinary gems that offer a taste of what we call diverse Mexican cuisine.

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Historic Center Walking Tour

Historic Center Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Chapultepec Park Walking Tour

Chapultepec Park Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Zona Rosa Walking Tour

Zona Rosa, or "Pink Zone" in English, is a vibrant neighborhood near the historic center of the Mexican capital which is known for its lively atmosphere and diverse cultural scene. The neighborhood's name comes from the pink-colored tiles abundantly used to pave the local streets.

The area rose to prominence in the early 20th century as a residential district for the wealthy...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
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Translated from the Nahuatle language as “The Land of Coyotes”, Coyoacán is a relatively quiet neighborhood in the southern part of Mexico City. Formerly a rural village, over the years Coyoacán has become a rich pocket of art and history in the capital, closely associated with some iconic figures of the 20th century and the tumultuous times in which they lived.

One of its most famous...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

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