Catedral de Montevideo (Metropolitan Cathedral), Montevideo (must see)

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Montevideo is the seat of the Catholic Church of Montevideo. It sits directly in front of the old Cabildo Montevideo, a colonial government house, by Constitution Square in the historic Old City. The site of the first brick church dates from 1740, in Spanish colonial times. In 1790, the foundation was laid for the construction of the current cathedral building.

The Cathedral was consecrated in 1804 and was dedicated to the Immaculate Conception and honors Saints Philip and James, the patron saints of the city. The architectural style of the building is Colonial Neoclassical, as designed by architect Tomas Toribio. The building's facade was formally completed in 1860.

Inside the Cathedral, there is one major altar, several side altars, memorials, tombs, ornate tiled floors, and graceful chandeliers. One of the side altars holds a statue of Our Lady of the Thirty-Three. She is celebrated as the Patroness of Uruguay and the Liberator of Uruguay.

No less than eight notable personalities are entombed within the Cathedral walls. They are various clergy, military, and political figures. The Cathedral is the inspiration for a musical work composed by the great Paraguayan classical guitarist and composer Agustin Pio Barrios. Considered to be his masterpiece, it is in three movements: Andante Religioso, Allegro Solemne, and Prelude.

The Cathedral holds artworks of great value by Uruguayan artists Jose Belloni, Juan Manuel Blanes and others. The church was consecrated when the country had not yet obtained its independence. Its Bicentenario was celebrated in 2004.