Cathedral of Melo, cultural heritage monument of Uruguay

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar and St. Raphael is the main Catholic church of Melo, seat of the Diocese of Melo. Foundations were laid in 1865; the central nave and facade were inaugurated on 25 May 1876, the side naves were finished in 1925 and 1943, and the two towers were raised in 1962.

A parish was erected in Melo on 1 March 1805 by Benito Lué y Riega, bishop of Buenos Aires. Foundations of the present building were laid in 1865, the central nave and facade opened on 25 May 1876, side naves followed in 1925 and 1943, and the two towers were raised in 1962. It became a cathedral on 14 April 1897 with the creation of the Diocese of Melo, receiving its first bishop, José Marcos Semería, in 1919.

The cathedral is dedicated to Our Lady of the Pillar and Archangel Raphael, figures central to the local Catholic community's faith. During religious festivals and celebrations, you can see how locals gather here to honor these traditions and mark important moments in their lives.

The cathedral is located at the corner of Del Pilar and Aparicio Saravia streets in the center and is easily accessible on foot. The interior is bright, with colored windows creating a quiet space, and simple pews where visitors can take time for reflection.

The 1988 visit by John Paul II, during his second pastoral trip to Uruguay, inspired the screenplay of El baño del Papa (The Pope's Toilet). The film won several awards and was Uruguay's submission to the 80th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film, though it was not accepted as a nominee.