AzteJdc Science. 141 



identical place where once stood the ' TeocalH,' or Temple of 

 Vitxliputzli, or, rather, Huitzilopotchli, the god of war of the 

 Aztekes. It was commenced in 1573 by order of Philip II., 

 and finished only in 1657. It is built of large cubes of por- 

 phyry, and stands on an estrade, and is surrounded by a walk 

 formed by columns of two yards" in height, and connected by 

 chains. At a distance from these columns are planted pine- 

 trees. At each of two corners of the ' cadenas,' or chain-closed 

 walk, stand on a pedestal of five yards in height four death's- 

 heads, and a cross with a serpent around its foot. 



1 cannot give a minute description of this imposing building, 

 as I do not understand much of architecture. The style m 

 which the cathedral is built seems to me a mixed one. Doric 

 and Ionic columns are alternately used in the two square 

 towers, which are seventy-three yards high, and have bell- 

 shaped tops with a cross on them. 



The principal front looking towards the south, had three 

 entrances, which are ornamented with statutes and alto relievos. 

 At the side of one of the towers is a very curious relic of 

 Azetekic science, a gigantic kind of almanac, which is about 

 fourteen yards in circumference. It is made of solid stone, 

 and on it are many symbolic figures. This interesting anti- 

 quity was found, in 1790, buried in the ground. 



In the towers are forty-eight bells, of which the largest is six 

 yards high, and called Santa Maria de Guadalupe. 



The interior of the cathedral consists of five naves, of which 

 two are closed and three open. The lofty and boldly-arched 

 vaults rest on large clusters of Ionic columns. There are in 

 the church fourteen closed chapels and six altars, besides the 

 principal, which stands in the centre. It may be approached 

 from all four sides by seven large steps, and is enclosed by a 

 balustrade made of tombac, on which stand sixty-two statutes 

 of the same metal, each holding in his hands a candelabra 

 filled with wax candles. This balustrade and similar work in 

 this cathedral were made in Macao, in China. This chief altar 

 reaches nearly to the ceiling. 



It is a pity that the fine proportions of this cathedral are 

 spoilt by so many little chapels and compartments, and also 

 by painted wooden statues of saints, &c., and other flimsy 

 ornaments. 



The ornaments of the principal altar are, however, no"" 



