The Tepoztlan Church
Archway decorated with seeds and beans
Tepoztlan’s 16th Century Dominican Church is located near the market in the center of town.
Construction of the Church was terminated in 1580, under the supervision of architect Francisco Becerra. The façade of the gated entrance to the church yard leading from the market area has been decorated with indigenous motifs formed with beans and seeds.
To one side is found the Convent of the Nativity and behind the church and convent complex is found the “Mexico for Peace” archaeological museum established by poet Carlos Pellicer and housing his private collection donated by him to the townspeople of Tepoztlán.
The Tepoztlan Convent
The 16th century convent, dedicated to Our Lady of Annunciation and currently under renovation, lies next to Tepoztlan’s church in the downtown area close to the market.
A tour through the confines of the convent shows us the restored frescos and wall decorations, stunning views of the central courtyard lined with imposing arches, and glimpses through the upper windows of the lush Tepoztlan hills and Tepozteco pyramid.
Believed to have been constructed between 1555 and 1580 by the Dominican Order, the Convent was occupied by the Dominicans until 1773 when it was handed over to the secular clergy. It appears to have been occupied by French troops under Maximilian between 1864 and 1867, and again requisitioned as military quarters in 1910 during the Mexican Revolution. It was declared a Museum and Historic Monument by President Lázaro Cárdenas in 1935 and turned over to the INAH (National Institute of Anthropology and History) in 1939; since then it has been open to the public. In 1993 INAH began a systematic restauration of the structure and it murals, which is still in progress.
Included in the convent are musuem exhibits of artifacts from the history and culture of Tepoztlan as well as a gift shop offering books, music and regional arts and crafts.
Visiting hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm.
[svgallery name="tepoztlan-convent"]
