Our Lady of Loreto Cathedral, the interim cathedral of Mendoza
Our Lady of Loreto Cathedral, also called Mendoza Cathedral, stands in the centre of Mendoza facing Plaza Sarmiento, and is the seat of the city's archbishop. A three-nave church with a Roman Baroque interior, its history mirrors that of the 1861 earthquake: a quiet stop among the hidden gems of Mendoza.
Mendoza's cathedral began as a stopgap: the old one fell in the 1861 earthquake and since 1934 a church holding 500 people has stood in, waiting for the permanent one.
The history of Our Lady of Loreto Cathedral
The church of Our Lady of Loreto stood from its origins, in the 18th century, facing the old “Plaza Nueva”, today Plaza Sarmiento, where the city's militias carried out their drills. That original building was destroyed by the 1861 earthquake, and the present one dates from 1875. In the nineteenth century it served as a chapel.
The same quake brought down Mendoza's original cathedral, in the Área Fundacional, and a replacement was planned in 1875. Construction of a cathedral also began in the Ciudad Nueva, facing Plaza Independencia, but for building reasons it was demolished and the land given over to another structure. Meanwhile the Loreto church remained standing.
In 1934, when the Diocese of Mendoza and Neuquén was created, its first bishop, José Aníbal Verdaguer, named Our Lady of Loreto the interim cathedral until the permanent one could be built on land set aside in Central Park. According to one source its façade was renewed after the diocese was founded. Ever since, the church has served as the cathedral, although its capacity of around 500 people is too small for the city and Greater Mendoza.
For that reason ordinations and large Masses led by the archbishop are held at the larger parish church of Our Lady of Sorrows. The texts consulted mention the intention to build a new cathedral in Central Park but give no construction dates; meanwhile Loreto remains Mendoza's cathedral.
Curious facts about Our Lady of Loreto Cathedral
- It is an “interim” cathedral: it was designated in 1934 and, according to the sources, the permanent one is still awaited.
- It holds around 500 people, so few for Mendoza that the archbishop's large celebrations are held in another church.
- In front of the church lay the old “Plaza Nueva”, now Plaza Sarmiento, where the city's militias drilled.
- The façade has three portals arranged on a triumphal-arch pattern, topped by three domed, lantern-like pavilions.
- It has no transept and no crossing dome; the painted vault of the central nave rises only slightly above the flat ceilings of the aisles.
- A cathedral was started facing Plaza Independencia, but it was demolished and the land given to another building.
Tours near Our Lady of Loreto Cathedral
Experiences in the area that you can book online with Viator:
Visiting Our Lady of Loreto Cathedral
- The church is in the centre of Mendoza, facing Plaza Sarmiento, so it is an easy walk from other central sights.
- The interior, on a rectangular plan with three naves divided by two rows of columns, is decorated in Roman Baroque style.
- As it is a working church, check the current Mass and opening times before you go.
- The sources give no details of guided visits or tourist services inside the church.
Opening hours, access and conditions can change. Check before you go.
Map: where Our Lady of Loreto Cathedral is
Questions
Where is Our Lady of Loreto Cathedral in Mendoza?
In the centre of the city of Mendoza, facing Plaza Sarmiento.
Why is Mendoza's cathedral only interim?
Because the original cathedral fell in the 1861 earthquake and, when the diocese was created in 1934, the Loreto church was designated provisionally until a permanent one is built in Central Park.
When was the Loreto church built?
The original 18th-century church was destroyed by the 1861 earthquake; the present building dates from 1875. One source gives a different completion date, so this dating is preferred.
What style is Mendoza Cathedral?
It has a rectangular plan with three naves and a Roman Baroque interior. The façade has three portals on a triumphal-arch pattern.
How many people does the cathedral hold?
About 500, which is too few for Mendoza; ordinations and big celebrations are therefore held in the church of Our Lady of Sorrows.
Is “Mendoza Cathedral” the same as Our Lady of Loreto?
Yes: it is the same church, the seat of the Archbishop of Mendoza.
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