Admire the updated neoclassical façade of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe) from its prominent position overlooking Ponce’s historic central square. Since its establishment in 1670, fire and earthquakes have repeatedly razed Ponce’s main Catholic landmark. Each time the building was nearly destroyed, it was rebuilt and remodeled until it reached the magnificence you see today.
Gaze up at the cathedral’s monumental façade from the Plaza Las Delicias. See if you can trace the building’s architectural heritage in its Gothic foundations, colonial flourishes and neoclassical masonry. The enormous 3,540-square-yard (2,960-square-meter) building is shaped in a cruciform design and painted pale blue and gray. Two square bell towers flank the central portal, which is adorned with Doric columns and a central crucifix.
Enter the cathedral to experience its bright and airy interiors. The sky-blue ceiling and yellow walls give the nave a distinctive Latin American touch. Look up at the pretty cross-vaulted ceiling and check out the series of stained-glass windows that illuminate the interior. The large dome rises above the intersection of the transept and the nave. On the westernmost bay, you’ll find the vestibule, the choir loft and a large pipe organ. Installed in 1934, this pipe organ is regularly played for services and events. Walk up to the alabaster altar, which was made in the neoclassical style in Spain. You’ll find the original Gothic altar relocated to the southern chapel.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe is located in the heart of central Ponce. It is open daily until noon and has longer opening hours on weekends. Plan to visit outside the regular church service times if you wish to explore the cathedral. Visit the cathedral on 12 December to experience the Las Mañanitas festival, which is named after the Mexican birthday song. The festival involves a pre-dawn procession followed by Holy Mass in celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe, the city’s patron saint. The cathedral is free to visit.
