CATEDRAL METROPOLITANA DE MONTEVIDEO

The Cathedral of Montevideo, also known as Iglesia Matriz, was built in 1790, but was not inaugurated until October 1804. It is the largest Catholic center in Uruguay and is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception and the apostles Felipe and Santiago. During the last three centuries, it has been the scene of many events of historical, political and, of course, religious importance. Its towers were for a long time the highest point of the city and even served as a lighthouse during the siege of Montevideo (1843-1851). Alexandre Dumas was inspired to write his novel Montevideo or a New Troy (1805). It also houses the tombs of some of the most important figures in Uruguayan history, such as Fructuoso Rivera, Juan Antonio Lavalleja and Dámaso Antonio Larrañaga. In 1805, it received the marriage of Don José Gervasio Artigas and Doña Rafaela Villagrán. Its location corresponds to that of the old Mayor Church, the first public building in Montevideo, built between 1730 and 1739. It has three naves, a transept, and a dome on a cylindrical drum. Inside, it is painted with stucco imitating polychrome marble, and includes several pictorial works and sculptures. It was named a national historic monument in 1935. Finally, the church offers several regular religious services such as masses, wedding celebrations, baptisms and cultural events.