One of the main donors for the construction of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception was Pedro Echeguren y de la Quintana.
MAZATLAN. – The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception of Mazatlan is undoubtedly one of the most important sites for all Mazatlecos and for tourists, an architectural jewel that cannot be missed. This is located downtown, in the heart of the port and is the headquarters of the Diocese of Mazatlán.
The patron saint of the parish is the Immaculate Conception and it obtained the title of Basilica Cathedral in 1937; but its construction dates back to the 19th century. In fact, its construction was made possible by the large financial contributions made by the main Catholic merchants and industrialists in the city. One of the main benefactors at this stage was Don Pedro Echeguren y de la Quintana, originally from the city of San Sebastián, Spain, who was one of the richest men in the region, yes, the former owners of Quinta Echeguren.
This imposing cathedral was designed and built by Estanislao León, who died in the final stages of construction.
The majestic towers began to rise in the year 1893, the first of which was completed on April 6, 1894, and the rest a few months later. These towers were originally designed by the eminent builder Natividad González, but due to a disagreement on technical matters with the parish priest Father García, he did not finish them.
Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical style
The interior of the building, although it also presents elements of the neo-Gothic style, also presents some of neoclassical influence; this mixture of styles due to the academic ideas of eclectic art, very fashionable at the time.
On its main façade, there is a cozy portico (which is something unusual to find in the great Mexican cathedrals), from which three groined arches protrude, giving it a very special elegance. On its side walls and the portico you can admire four large sculptures representing the evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Lucas and John.
It has an octagonal dome with a lantern, surmounted by an iron cross. The towers have two bodies and have tops in the form of truncated prisms, which are crowned by a cross. The portal of the cathedral consists of three ogival arches, with a strong neo-Gothic accent, which serve as an access gate to the main arch, rounded and supported by pilasters, which support the triangular pediment.
The two towers and their outer dome are covered with yellow tiles of European manufacture. On the main altar, in a refined Gothic style, there is a set of beautiful marble statues of saints and angels.
The cathedral has four side altars, two of them on the sides of the main altar and the remaining two on the sides of the main entrance, their designs are Neoclassical and they are consecrated in honor of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Lord Saint Joseph and Our Lady of Guadalupe.
However, the jewel of this enclosure is its grandiose organ built in Paris by the manufacturer Aristide Cavaillie-Coll (1811-1899) and although the cathedral archives do not indicate the date this musical instrument was acquired, journalistic information from The time indicates that on May 17, 1899 the organ was played for the first time, delighting the Catholic society of the port.
the first mass
The first public mass was celebrated on May 7, 1880, but it was not until May 7, 1899, that the temple was blessed and the various interior altars were consecrated, a ceremony attended by some of the most important families as godparents. city notables.
The Mazatlan Post
