The five Franciscan missions of Sierra Gorda were built in the mid-18th, during the last phase of the evangelization of the interior of Mexico and are nestled in the middle of the Sierra Gorda in the northern part of the state of Querétaro.

The missions built by Father Junípero Serra across the Sierra Gorda are considered gems of Mexican religious architecture. The richly decorated church façades are of special interest as they represent an example of the joint creative efforts of the missionaries and the Indios. The missions are a couple of hours by car away from the city, and have been beautifully preserved, still serving as churches for local residents.