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Baroque-style church established by the Jesuit order in the late 16th century and completed in 1610. The church is famous for its extensive art collection, some of which is on display for public viewing in an attached art gallery. The art was commissioned by the Jesuits during their first two centuries in Mexico. The collection remained intact when the Jesuits were expelled from all lands of the Spanish Empire during the 18th century. The building itself is admired for its early baroque architecture, which was more restrained than the effusive opulence of later churches, but that restraint did not extend to the church interior, which features many sculptures and period oil paintings, as well as architectural details like the extravangant Neoclassical main altar (designed by Manuel Tolsa to replace the original altar), covered in gold leaf. The art collection is one of the largest collections of early Mexican art and the gallery features four salons. Salon 1 contains the earliest works in the collection, mostly by well-known artists in Spain. Salon 2 boldly features a huge painting of Saint Philip Neri and the room is dedicated to works associated with the saint, as well as portraits of 11 popes. Salon 3 is a historical perspective of religious art from the 17th through 19th century with paintings depicting Biblical scenes and portraits of saints from those centuries. Salon 4 features works from the 18th century with two prominent paintings by Miguel Correa, one showing the torments of hell and the second showing judgment day as the good are separated from the evil.
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Museum of the Little Shop
One of the newest museums in the city, this contains the personal collection of paintings, photography, and books of the Mexican journalist and writer Carlos Monsivais.
This building, which was completed in 1758, was built on the grounds of the house of Aztec emperor Moctezuma and later the residence of the Spanish conqueror Hernán Cortés. The building was acquired in 1838 by the Nacional Monte de Piedad, a pawn shop established in 1775 that still operates today.
El Borceguí Shoe Museum
Private collection of old shoes from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. The museum belongs to the shoe store El Borcegui, established in 1865 and still selling shoes today.
Palacio de Cultura Banamex / Palace of Iturbide
One of the oldest buildings in town, built in the late 16th century, it was first home to the local nobility and later the residence of Mexican Emperor Agustin de Iturbide. The building is owned today by the Cultural Trust of Banco Nacional de Mexico, the Mexican branch of Citibank.
Esperanza Iris
Historic theatre that was built to resemble La Scala in Milan. It is a huge theatre with stacks of balcony levels looking onto the stage below. The best seats are on the 1st balcony level (better than main level seats). The theatre hosts a range of performances, many plays, but also dance, music, and other forms.
Metropolitan Cathedral
The largest cathedral in the American continent. Designed by Claudio de Arcinieaga, construction started in 1537 and lasted for 250 years. Be sure to check out the side chapels where parishioners leave offerings for the various saints. For a bird's-eye view of the plaza, you can take a 40-minute tour (Spanish language only) of the upper levels and bell towers of the cathedral (M$12).