Church and Chapels

The Franciscans arrived in Huichapan in 1531. The magnificent 16th-century cross that remains in the middle of the atrium is a testament to their first efforts at evangelization. It is carved from pink limestone, and its ornamentation, which displays European and indigenous influences, honors the Passion of Christ.

Behind the cross is the complex made up of three churches. In the middle is the chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe (Capilla de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe), which possesses a beautiful facade adorned by a limestone tower. To the left is the Chapel of the Third Order (Capilla de la Tercera Orden), with a baroque-style front and splendid baroque altarpiece inside. Finally, to the right is the parish church dedicated to Saint Matthew the Apostle (Parroquia de San Mateo Apóstol), which bears two churrigueresque doorways and gorgeous altarpieces.

In addition to the complex, the Capilla del Señor del Calvario is a rare and beautiful chapel dedicated to the figure of the Christ of the Calvary. Lastly, there’s Capilla de San Mateo. Although the exterior of this chapel dedicated to Saint Matthew is very simple, it holds a lovely image of its patron saint.