The city centers on its cathedral and the Jardin Floresta (Floresta Garden). The cathedral's origins date back to 1528 when it was established as a Franciscan monastery, with a church dedicated to Francis of Assisi. This church was reconstructed in 1788 by Damián Ortiz de Castro, and was dedicated to John the Baptist, who is the city's patron saint. The cloister of the old Franciscan monastery was left intact. In 1862, this church became the seat of the diocese or see of Tulancingo, gaining cathedral status. In 2007, Tulancingo became an archdiocese with the seat remaining here. This archdiocese is subject to the archdiocese of Mexico and covers a territory of , or almost the entire state of Hidalgo and a few parishes in Veracruz. The bishop lives in the old cloister complex.