Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/197

Rh quarters of pesos, but was considerably increased in later years, as the completion was not finally effected till the beginning of the present century.

The dimensions of the cathedral are 393 feet in length from north to south, by 192 feet in width from east to west. The architecture is of the Doric order, all the columns, bases, capitals, cornices, and friezes being of hewn stone, and the other work of tetzontli.

The whole edifice, containing fourteen chapels, is divided into five parts, the principal one, the main nave, being 53 feet wide from column to column. Five portals give entrance, three of them facing the great square or plaza toward the south, while light is admitted by 174 windows. The cupola, 184 feet above the pavement, and of octagonal form, is surmounted by a fanal 44 feet high. In this magnificent temple were placed many and valuable images and ornaments. Among the former the most remarkable was that of Our Lady of the Assumption, wrought of gold, as was also the pedestal and the four angels supporting the image. Another was that of Our Lady of the Conception of pure silver, and less valuable ones