Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires

From the outside, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires looks more like a Greek temple or a Parisian public building than a church. Its neoclassical façade, with a portico of twelve columns and a triangular pediment, was inspired by the Palais Bourbon in Paris and was begun in 1826 by Prosper Catelin and Pierre Benoit. The church itself is older: work on the current structure started in 1754, and it was consecrated as a cathedral in 1779. It has never had towers, which adds to its unusual look. It was declared a National Historic Monument in 1942.

Inside, the plan is a Latin cross with three aisles and side chapels. The highlights include late 19th-century frescoes by Francesco Paolo Parisi, a Venetian-style mosaic floor laid in 1907 by Carlo Morra, and a gilded Rococo altarpiece carved by Isidro Lorea in 1785. Look too for the Christ of Buenos Aires, carved in 1671, the pair of 18th-century pulpits and the Walcker organ of 1871, which has more than 3,500 pipes.

For many Argentines the most important space is the mausoleum of General José de San Martín, the hero of South American independence, off the right-hand aisle. His remains were brought back from France in 1880 and lie in a black sarcophagus guarded by three life-size female figures representing Argentina, Chile and Peru, the countries he helped to free. The mausoleum also holds the remains of Generals Juan Gregorio de las Heras and Tomás Guido and of the Unknown Soldier of Independence.

The cathedral has a more recent claim to fame. Jorge Bergoglio served as Archbishop of Buenos Aires for 15 years and said Mass here before he was elected Pope Francis in 2013. A small museum dedicated to him, created that year, displays some of his personal and liturgical objects.

This is an active church, so dress modestly, keep voices low and avoid wandering during services. A visit of 30 to 45 minutes is enough for most people. The cathedral stands at San Martín 27, on the corner of Rivadavia, overlooking Plaza de Mayo, so it pairs easily with the Casa Rosada across the square and with a walk along Avenida de Mayo.