Constructed in 1528, La Catedral de San Cristóbal (pedestrian walkway, Av. 20 de Noviembre at Real de Guadalupe) sits on the north side of the central square and opens onto the adjoining plaza. The facade is gorgeous, its bright-yellow ocher contrasting with the 17th-century white mortared niches and geometric designs painted white, rust, and black that are reminiscent of the Mudejar style. It’s most impressive in late afternoon, when the building’s colors are ignited by the setting sun.
Inside, the nave and altar are decorated with fine religious art—don’t miss the elaborately carved wooden pulpit.
La Catedral de San Cristóbal and the plaza in front come to life during festivals and religious holidays, especially those leading up to Easter and December 12 (Saint’s Day for the Virgin of Guadalupe). And every day you can catch a glimpse of the cathedral’s bells being rung.
Unlike most bells, which are attached to a long rope, these have fin-like counterweights and are rung by a bellman spinning them over and over by hand, like a huge bicycle wheel.