St. James Cathedral, Saltillo

St. James Cathedral is an 18th-century house of worship showcasing New Spanish Baroque architecture in downtown Saltillo. The facade displays three sections with carved limestone details, paired Solomonic columns, and a prominent wooden papal shield above the main entrance.

Construction began in 1745 under the leadership of priest Felipe Suarez de Estrada, and the building gained cathedral status in 1891. The tower was completed several decades later, becoming a defining landmark for the region.

The cathedral takes its name from Saint James, a saint deeply rooted in Mexican religious tradition. Inside, visitors can observe how the spaces are used for daily worship, with colonial-era religious artworks covering the walls throughout the building.

The building sits in the downtown area at a straightforward street intersection that is easy to locate. Visitors should know that access may be limited during worship times, especially when ceremonies are taking place inside.

The bell tower stands out as notably tall and rises well above the surrounding buildings in the city. Its structure features several distinct layers that culminate in an iron cross at the top.