Mañozca Cross, 16th century Christian cross at Metropolitan Cathedral, Mexico City, Mexico
The Mañozca Cross is a 16th century stone cross located in the Patio de los Canónigos courtyard within Mexico City's Metropolitan Cathedral. It stands roughly 10 feet (3 meters) tall and displays carved details executed in red quarry stone, characteristic of early colonial religious monuments.
The cross was originally built in the 16th century and relocated in 1648 by Archbishop Juan de Mañozca y Zamora from the San Francisco Convent in Tepeapulco to Mexico City. This transfer reflected efforts to gather important religious monuments in the colonial capital.
The cross represents the early religious practices of Franciscan missionaries who established Catholic monuments throughout colonial Mexico.
The cross sits in a restricted section of the cathedral courtyard, so reaching it requires entering the main cathedral building during regular visiting hours. Check in advance whether the courtyard area is open to visitors, as access may be limited during services or special events.
The cross features detailed stone engravings and maintains its original red quarry stone material from the 16th century construction.
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