Monasteries of Popocatepetl at the second highest peak in Mexico
Monasteries
of Popocatepetl
Popocatepetl,
an active volcano and the second highest peak in Mexico, is host to 14
monasteries, standing on its slopes. The monasteries are well-preserved
examples of the architectural style adopted by the first missionaries -
Franciscans, Dominicans and Augustinians - who converted the indigenous
populations to Christianity in the early sixteenth century after the
Spanish conquest of Mexico.
The first monastery, at Huejotzingo at the foot of the volcano, was
dedicated to the Archangel Michael. Perched on an ancient mound in the
bustling town centre, its walled courtyard is secluded from the noise of
the outside streets. It is chiefly famous for its extraordinary
sixteenth-century art and architecture including the elaborately carved
corner chapels of the churchyard, medieval Moorish arches emblazoned with
Franciscan escutcheons and stunning murals lining the walls of the church
and cloister.
The north doorway, the most complex of the many entries to the church,
reflects the Franciscan style. In addition to commemorating St Francis,
the doorway served as the main processional entry to the church, also
known as the 'Door of Jublilee', as it signified the friars' entrance to
the New Jerusalem.
The late sixteenth-century altarpiece, known as the Pereyns Retablo after
its creator, the Flemish artist Simon Pereyns, rises in four tiers to the
high vault of the sanctuary. Its seven gilded bays frame a series of
paintings expressing scenes from the life of Christ, while its niches
house expertly carved statues of saints, apostles and other church
luminaries, which are undoubtedly the finest and best-preserved work
uncovered here.
The other 13 churches host a great number of treasured antiquities and
religious artifacts, and all are recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage
Sites.
