The cathedral's floor layout is shaped like a Latin cross. The church is oriented north-south, with the main facade on the south side of the structure, which features three entrances and a gated atrium. The main front has a relief depicting the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, to whom this cathedral (as well as the majority of those in Mexico) is dedicated. The interior spaces are divided into several naves by means of large columns supporting an arched ceiling. The central nave leads up to the choir, which has two aisles supported by more columns. The other naves are shorter and have chapels along their sides. The cathedral was built between 1555 and 1616 and remains one of the most important churches in Mexico City. It stands out for its simple yet elegant style, characterized by white stone with black decorations and details. The main altar was designed by Juan de Arévalo and is considered one his greatest works. It has six lateral altars, each one dedicated to a different Mexican state when it was created. The last one on the left is also known as the "Altar of the Poor" because it was built with donations from wealthy Mexicans who wanted to be buried next to the image of the Virgin Mary. The cathedral's towers were meant to be even taller but construction delays forced them to be finished later. Today they function as lighting fixtures and can be turned by hand if needed. There are also four bells inside the cathedral, two of them dating back to 1556 and another two added in 1665.