Nuestra Señora de La Paz

In the heart of La Paz stands the Our Lady of La Paz Cathedral—the main Catholic church and spiritual symbol of the state of Baja California Sur. This majestic building, located on the site of an 18th-century Jesuit mission, is a striking example of neoclassical architecture in Mexico.

The cathedral's exterior features a simple yet elegant facade and two symmetrical towers that recall the traditions of North American church architecture. The simplicity of the lines harmoniously combines with the historical significance of the site, creating an atmosphere of tranquility in the middle of the busy city center.

Inside the church, a true treasure awaits visitors—magnificent 18th-century baroque altarpieces. These relics were carefully moved from abandoned missions in the region to become part of the cathedral's decor. Thanks to its high ratings and popularity among travelers, the cathedral is considered a must-visit for anyone wishing to experience the region's cultural heritage.

For more information about the service schedule or to plan your visit, you can use the contact details provided below. The cathedral is located in the heart of the historic city center.

A visit to Our Lady of La Paz Cathedral offers a rare opportunity to enjoy peace and quiet. Inside the church, it is worth noting the unique baroque altarpieces that have been preserved since the colonial era. Many tourists come here for meditation or prayer, soaking in the spiritual atmosphere of this historic site.

For photography enthusiasts, the cathedral offers many interesting angles. Outside, you can capture the neoclassical facade and the tall towers, which look especially impressive in the rays of the setting sun. In the evening, the building is illuminated, creating a romantic and mysterious atmosphere in the square in front of it.

A visit to the cathedral can easily be made part of a larger cultural itinerary. After exploring the interior, take a stroll through the adjacent gardens or go for a walk along the pedestrian streets of old La Paz. Solemn masses and weddings are often held here, so you might have a chance to witness traditional Mexican ceremonies, which add a special local flavor to your trip.

Finding the city's main spiritual landmark is easy, as it is located right in the center, in Zona Central, at Revolución de 1910 S/N. If you are staying in one of the hotels in the old part of the city, the walk to the church will be very short. For example, from the famous Malecón promenade, you can reach it on foot in about 10 minutes while enjoying the local atmosphere.

For those arriving from outlying areas or directly from La Paz Airport (LAP), a taxi is the most convenient option. The ride from the airport takes about 15–20 minutes. The city also has a well-developed network of local buses with routes passing through the central squares and stopping within walking distance of the cathedral.

If you are traveling by rental car, parking can be found nearby. However, it is worth noting that the city center is best explored on foot—this way, you can fully experience the atmosphere of the historic streets surrounding the Our Lady of La Paz Cathedral.

The history of this site dates back to the early 18th century. Our Lady of La Paz Cathedral stands on the land where, in 1720, Jesuit missionaries Juan de Ugarte and Jaime Bravo founded one of the first Christian missions in the region. The city's very name, meaning "Peace," was given to the bay back in 1596 by Admiral Sebastián Vizcaíno in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The church took on its modern appearance much later. Construction of the current building began in the second half of the 19th century at the initiative of Bishop Juan Francisco Escalante y Moreno. It officially received cathedral status in 1865, becoming a symbol of the strengthening of church authority and the development of La Paz as an important administrative center for the state of Baja California Sur.

Of particular historical value are the interior baroque altarpieces. These magnificent 18th-century works of art were not originally created for this building—they were brought here from other, now abandoned missions in the region to preserve Mexico's unique colonial heritage.

Over the centuries, the cathedral has seen several monastic orders come and go and has undergone many stages of restoration. Today, it is not only an active place of worship but also a living testament to the evolution of religious architecture—from simple missionary buildings to the majestic neoclassical cathedral we see today.

For a standard tour of Our Lady of La Paz Cathedral, 30–60 minutes is usually enough for most tourists. This time is sufficient to step inside, appreciate the silence and grandeur of the interior, view the ancient baroque altarpieces, and take some beautiful photos of the neoclassical facade.

If you plan to attend a mass, study the architectural elements in detail, or simply want to sit longer in the shady gardens next to the cathedral, it is worth setting aside about 1.5 hours. A visit to the cathedral is easy to combine with a general walk through the historic center, which can take about half a day in total.

The cathedral is open to visitors throughout the week, except on Sundays, but there is a long break during the day. When planning your visit, please refer to the following schedule:

From Monday to Friday, the church doors are open from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM and after a break from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. On Saturday, the cathedral operates on a reduced schedule: from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM without an evening opening. On Sundays, the cathedral is closed for tourist visits. Please remember that during religious holidays and festive dates, the opening hours may change.

Walking around Our Lady of La Paz Cathedral is a great way to experience the heart of the city. The central district, where the church is located, is filled with historic buildings, cozy cafes, and souvenir shops that create a unique atmosphere of Mexican hospitality.

Exploring the surrounding area allows you to see the city from different perspectives: from the ruins of old buildings to modern cultural centers and parks where locals love to relax. Below are some interesting places located within walking distance.