Experience the heart of Ciudad Juárez’s spiritual activity at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe), also known as Cathedral of Cuidad Juárez. Spend time appreciating its artwork and architecture and note the worshippers coming to pray. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a Catholic church devoted to the Virgin of Guadalupe. It looms over the west side of Plaza de Armas, at the heart of the city’s historic center.
First built in the mid 20th century, the cathedral was rebuilt following the discovery of structural damages in the cupola. The eye-catching façade remains from the original building. It features heavy wooden doors framed by tall Corinthian pillars. Look up to see the twin three-tiered bell towers.
The interior is a single, rectangular room with rows of pews facing the altar. A painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe and a large crucifix decorate the altar. On the wall to the left notice the colorful stained-glass windows, which depict religious scenes. Running along the opposite wall is a shelf with statues of biblical characters and saints.
After visiting the cathedral, pass the neighboring Mission of Our Lady of Guadalupe of Paso del Norte. Franciscan monks founded it in 1659 when the city was called Paso del Norte. It retains a simple whitewashed exterior and has an interesting collection of paintings and woodcarvings inside.
In front of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe and mission is Plaza de Armas, Ciudad Juárez’s first public square, erected in the late 1600s. Sit here and gaze at its bandstand and fountain, with a bronze statue of the comedian Germán Valdés, also known as Tin Tan. Positioned in the square’s northwest corner is a contemporary sculpture called Paloma de Esperanza, which translates to Dove of Hope.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe is open daily and admission is free. Major city attractions, such as the Benito Juárez Monument and the Museum of the Border Revolution, are short walks away. Visit the cathedral as one of the stops on the sightseeing bus tour of the city’s historic center.
