La Catedral

La Catedral

Perhaps Guadalajara’s most famous historical building is the Metropolitan Cathedral who’s first yellow-gray stone was laid in 1561, and it was finally completed 30 years later. This was not due to sloth, inadequate funds, labor problems, or even warfare. Rather, upon being crowned, each Spanish sovereign would halt this and other works in progress, to review them at his or her leisure. The work in progress was inevitably scrapped, for having gone out of style or for not bearing the new monarchs personal imprint. New plans would be commissioned and presented, to be criticized, revised and eventually accepted. These were then turned over to the officials responsible for the works completion, who of course entertained architectural ideals of their own.

The resulting mishmash of Renaissance, neo-Gothic, neo-Classic, and a Moorish Style referred to as Mudéjar make for a construction that is interesting if not harmonious.

Then there was the earthquake of 1818 that totally destroyed the Cathedrals steeples. Shortly afterward, the bishop (cathedrals are designed not only to serve as administrative centers, but also to house the bishop) happened to note upon a platter from which supper was being served the likeness of a steeple. His Excellency was sufficiently impressed to pass the plate on to the architect and so, unknown to him, an anonymous artisan designed what was to become Guadalajara’s Eiffel Tower.