HOW TO GET THERE

It is located in the city of La Paz 771 kms south of Guerrero Negro through the Transpeninsular Highway, by air to the International Airport of La Paz, and by sea by ferryboats from Mazatlán and Topolobampo.

ORIGIN

Father Juan Francisco Escalante y Moreno, a native of Sonora, arrived at La Paz in 1854. He was accompanied by three priests, one of them, Don Mario Carlón who was appointed Parish Priest of La Paz. Two years later Father Escalante was consecrated the first Bishop of La Paz. Both of them were devoted to the initiation of the great project, the construction of the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Paz. In order to raise funds, Father Carlón went to Sonora in 1859 where he remained two years appealing to the generosity of his friends with a so worthwile result, that in October 6, 1861 his Excellency Monsignor Escalante laid the first stone.

DESCRIPTION

The Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Paz rises majestically in front of the old Jardín Velasco in the historical heart of the city. Its structure of a latin cross type soars above a great wooded atrium. The suggestive simplicity of its architectural design resembles that of the churches of the Californian missions. The beautiful main door ends up at the top in a round arch framed by doric columns that support a cornice. The small figure of an angel carved in a stone rests in the cornice with an oval oculus above it; at both sides, there are two windows that throw light upon the choir and to the extremes the thin bell towers. Said elements break the monotony of the sober fa‡ade of rosie-coloured stone. The statues of the Sacred Heart, Our Lady of Peace and an oil painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe stand out in the interior.

ACTIVITIES

Christmas concerts. Patron Saint Festivities on January the 24th. Serenades to Our Lady of Peace. A tour to the Historical center of the city: the Californias Library, Regional Anthropology and History Museum. Shopping. Arts and Crafts.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The city of La Paz offers many options to the visitors: beaches, aquatic sports, trips to the islands, ecotourism tours, night life, etc. Ask for additional information in your travel agency or hotel.