Northern Mexico
Central Mexico
Northern Mexico
Central Mexico
Cultural heritage site inscribed in 2003 on the World Heritage List.
It is located in the town of San Antonio Tancoyol and was built between 1761 and 1767 by Friar Juan Ramos de Lora. It is dedicated to the Virgin of Our Lady of Light, although its image has been removed from its site.
Its facade is the most elaborate of the five missions, with three sections, a pediment, and four columns. Like in the other four missions, the predominant style is what has been called indigenous Baroque. It features six angel figures with various elements of Christ's Passion, such as the whip, the Holy Face, the flagellation, the ladder, the cross, and the mallet. Other elements, such as a bunch of grapes and a lance, can also be distinguished.
The facade incorporates traditional details of European churches, such as saints gathered in choir around the Virgin. However, a jaguar stands out on one of the mascarons that tops one of the columns, as well as flora and characters with Olmec features.
Inside, a series of sculptures can be seen, with Our Lady of Light standing out, as well as indigenous elements such as a jaguar and a person with Olmec characteristics.
This construction is so spectacular that even the exterior wall is worth admiring.
Location
Tancoyol, Qro.
Misión San Francisco del Valle de Tilaco
HISTORY AND COLONIAL ART