Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatepetl
Location: Puebla and Morelos, Mexico
Year of Inscription: 1994
Criteria: (ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: The Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatepetl are a group of 14 monasteries, which were built by the Spanish in the 16th century on the slopes of the Popocatepetl volcano. These monasteries were built as part of the Spanish colonization of the Americas, and were intended to serve as centers of evangelization for the indigenous peoples living in the region.
Prominent Features: The 14 monasteries include a range of architectural styles, from the austere Franciscan style to the exuberant Mexican Baroque. The monasteries are notable for their ornate facades, intricate stone carvings, and colorful frescoes.
Some of the most prominent monasteries include
History: The Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatepetl were built between 1524 and 1591, during the early years of the Spanish colonization of the Americas. The monasteries were built as part of a larger effort to evangelize the indigenous peoples of Mexico, and were established by several different religious orders, including the Franciscans, Dominicans, and Augustinians.
Family-Friendly Activities: Visitors can explore the monasteries and learn about their history and significance, as well as enjoy the stunning natural scenery of the Popocatepetl volcano.
Fun Fact: The monastery of San Francisco in Tlalmanalco is the only one of the 14 monasteries that was built entirely by indigenous artisans.
Entry Fees: The entry fees for each monastery vary, but are generally quite affordable.
How to Reach it: The monasteries are easily accessible by car or bus from Mexico City, Puebla, and other nearby cities.
The Monastery of San Miguel Arcangel in Huejotzingo is located about 30 miles east of Puebla.
While the Monastery of San Francisco in Tepoztlán is located about 50 miles south of Mexico City. The Monastery of Santiago Apostol in Cuauhtinchán and the Monastery of San Andres in Calpan are located in between these distances.
Where to Stay: Visitors can find a range of accommodations in the nearby cities of Mexico City, Puebla, and Cuernavaca, as well as in smaller towns near the monasteries.
Next Stop: Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco
Year of Inscription: 1994
Criteria: (ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: The Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatepetl are a group of 14 monasteries, which were built by the Spanish in the 16th century on the slopes of the Popocatepetl volcano. These monasteries were built as part of the Spanish colonization of the Americas, and were intended to serve as centers of evangelization for the indigenous peoples living in the region.
- Temple and Former Convent of the Assomption, Cuernavaca Cathedral
- Temple and Former Convent of Saint Dominic de Guzman (Hueyapan)
- Temple and Former Convent of Saint Dominic de Guzman (Oaxtepec)
- Temple and Former Convent of Saint James the Apostle
- Ancient Convent of the Nativity
- Temple and Former Convent of Saint John the Baptist (Tetela del Volcán)
- Temple and Former Convent of Saint John the Baptist (Tlayacapan)
- Temple and Former Convent of Saint William
- Temple and Former Convent of Saint John the Baptist (Yecapixtla)
- Temple and Former Convent of the Immaculate Conception
- Temple and Former Convent of Saint Andrew
- Temple and Former Convent of Saint Michael the Archangel
- Temple and Former Convent of the Assumption of Our Lady
- Franciscan Ensemble of the Monastery and Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption of Tlaxcala
Prominent Features: The 14 monasteries include a range of architectural styles, from the austere Franciscan style to the exuberant Mexican Baroque. The monasteries are notable for their ornate facades, intricate stone carvings, and colorful frescoes.
Some of the most prominent monasteries include
- the Monastery of San Miguel Arcangel in Huejotzingo, which has a unique circular chapel and a highly ornate facade, and
- the Monastery of San Francisco in Tepoztlán, which is situated on a hilltop and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
History: The Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatepetl were built between 1524 and 1591, during the early years of the Spanish colonization of the Americas. The monasteries were built as part of a larger effort to evangelize the indigenous peoples of Mexico, and were established by several different religious orders, including the Franciscans, Dominicans, and Augustinians.
Family-Friendly Activities: Visitors can explore the monasteries and learn about their history and significance, as well as enjoy the stunning natural scenery of the Popocatepetl volcano.
Fun Fact: The monastery of San Francisco in Tlalmanalco is the only one of the 14 monasteries that was built entirely by indigenous artisans.
Entry Fees: The entry fees for each monastery vary, but are generally quite affordable.
How to Reach it: The monasteries are easily accessible by car or bus from Mexico City, Puebla, and other nearby cities.
The Monastery of San Miguel Arcangel in Huejotzingo is located about 30 miles east of Puebla.
While the Monastery of San Francisco in Tepoztlán is located about 50 miles south of Mexico City. The Monastery of Santiago Apostol in Cuauhtinchán and the Monastery of San Andres in Calpan are located in between these distances.
Where to Stay: Visitors can find a range of accommodations in the nearby cities of Mexico City, Puebla, and Cuernavaca, as well as in smaller towns near the monasteries.
Next Stop: Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco