The Catedral Metropolitana is the mother church of Catholic Buenos Aires. First built in 1590, it is a mix of architectural styles - neoclassical, neo-Renaissance, Rococo and Baroque - and decked with detail. The 18th century vessels and dome are neo-renaissance in style. Corinthian columns adorn the portico. The wood altarpiece is Rococo. The 19th century façade is neocla
ssical. The walls and ceilings are frescoed. The Cathedral is trimmed with statues. The Metropolitan Cathedral houses the ornate 'guarded' mausoleum of José de San Martín, an Argentine national hero.