Tepotzotlán - The Museum of the Viceroyalty

An hour's drive to the north of Mexico City is the town of Tepotzotlán (not to be confused with Tepoztlán, located to the south of the capital, and described in an earlier post).  In June of 2012, my friend Alejandro and I visited Tepotzotlán which was designated by the Secretariat of Tourism as a "Magic Town".  It merits that honor principally because it contains one of the most important monuments of colonial Mexico:  the Church and College of San Francisco Javier, which today comprise the National Museum of the Viceroyalty.

The Jesuit Order established three educational institutions here in the 1580s, and the town was one of the most important centers of learning in colonial Mexico.  The largest of the institutions, the College of San Francisco Javier, was a training center for Jesuit priests. The old college today is a museum containing the largest collection of colonial art and artifacts in the country.  Although the museum is very interesting, the star attraction is the former church.  Religious services are no longer held here; it is now a part of the museum as well. 

The church was begun in 1670, but the ornate façade dates from 1760.  It is one of the most outstanding examples of the churrigueresque style that was popular in eighteenth century Mexico. This style of architecture is incredibly ornate; it derives from the European baroque and takes it several steps further. 

 

 

The interior of the church is a dazzling display of churrigueresque altarpieces.  They are carved from white cedar and covered with gold leaf.  I have visited many impressive churches in Mexico, South America and Europe, but this is one of the most incredible that I have ever seen.  

 

 



 

                            Don't forget to look up at the lavishly decorated ceilings.

 

 

       Even the separate chapel that was used by the Jesuits of the college is amazing.

 



                     The kitchen is restored to look as it might have in colonial times.

                             One of the picturesque courtyards of the former college

After spending several hours at the museum, it was time to eat.  There are several restaurants facing the town's main plaza.  They cater to the tourist trade, but we found our meal to be very good.

(photo taken by Alejandro)

 

                         Tepotzotlán - a very worthwhile excursion from Mexico City!