Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral (Iglesia Matriz)

The Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral is the city's main Roman Catholic church and the seat of its archdiocese. Its origin dates back to the Spanish colonial era, when a modest brick church was built on the site in 1740 by Indian laborers under the reign of Philip V of Spain. 
Also called Iglesia Matriz, Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral was consecrated in 1804 and was dedicated to the Immaculate Conception and to Philip and James, the patron saints of Montevideo. Like several other religious structures in the city, the church features an image of the Virgin of the Thirty-Three, the patron saint of Uruguay. It was then declared a cathedral in 1878, and in 1897, Pop Leo XIII elevated it to the status of Basilica Metropolitana, which made it the main church of Uruguay. 
Iglesia Matriz, or Mother Church, is typically a name bestowed upon a church that was established as the first mission in a region. The Metropolitan Cathedral, a National Historic Landmark, is considered the mother church of all of southern South America, including Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Chile.
Inside the cathedral are the tombs of several important figures in Uruguay’s history, including religious figures and soldiers who died during the British invasion.

Practical Info

The Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral is located in Ciudad Vieja, right in front the Cabildo de Montevideo across Constitution Square. The cathedral holds many religious services and events like weddings, baptisms, cultural events and concerts. The church is open daily and is free to visit.