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The baroque architecture of Mexico City
A tour of the city’s spectacular church buildings and is a great introduction to the capital
Mexico City is a treasure trove of baroque architecture, says Aoife O'Riordain in the Independent. And because the best examples are scattered all over its old heart, a tour of them provides a great introduction to the city, too.
Starting at the towering, elaborate Altar of the Kings in the cathedral and proceeding to the "dusky pink and grey" Señor de la Expiración chapel next door, you'll pass other spectacular churches before ending up across town at the "pretty" Palacio de Iturbide, a late example of the style. Real fans should also visit Tepotzolán, 115km to the north.
In parts of the splendid St Francis Xavier church, the European baroque is married with pre-Hispanic Mexican style to unique and overwhelming effect.
The Hotel de Cortés (00 52 55 5518 2181) is "a boutique hotel behind a florid baroque façade". Doubles from £125 per night. ·
