Monasteries on the slopes of Popocatépetl

The mission stations at the foot of the Popocatepetl belong to the Spanish missions that help the Spaniards tried to convert the Aztecs and other indigenous groups to the Christian faith since the 16th century. In the area of the volcano Popocatépetl, Central Mexico built the Franciscan Friars ( OFM), the Dominican and Augustinian religious centers. (: " The earliest monasteries of the 16th century on the slopes of Popocatépetl " literally) in 1994 added to the list of world cultural heritages of Mexico Fourteen of them were under the official name Earliest 16th century monasteries on the slopes of Popocatépetl.

Mission stations

On the recommendation of Hernán Cortés was one of the most important means by which sought to increase their influence in the conquered territories the Spaniards, the establishment of mission stations to spread the Catholic faith.

To this end, many monasteries were built, first by the Franciscans, Dominicans and Augustinians of then. Fourteen of these monasteries within a radius of more than 60 kilometers of the volcano were declared in 1994 a World Heritage Sites: the state of Morelos: Atlatlauhcan, Cuernavaca, Hueyapan, Tetela del Volcán, Yautepec, Ocuituco, Tepoztlan, Tlayacapan, Totolapan, Yecapixtla and Zacualpan de Amilpas. In the state of Puebla, there are the monasteries of Calpan, Huejotzingo and Tochimilco. In addition to these there are many other monasteries in the same room equivalent (eg, the Franciscan monasteries in Atlixco and Huaquechula in the state of Puebla, or Chalco Estado de México ).

These monasteries are impressive witnesses of their time. With its square design and its imposing height, they surveyed the human settlements in the area. The extra thick walls that surround them, they can more clearly than castles appear.

Huejotzingo

One of the most beautiful Franciscan convents in the region is located in Huejotzingo in the state of Puebla at 2100 meters. This convent was built in the 16th century. Franciscan missionaries founded the first monastery in 1524 Huejotzingo. The first buildings on the site of the present Convention may be detected for 1545.

The Church of the Convention is like a fortress, in particular due to their size and their sober facade. The single-nave church contains several significant features of the style, especially in the choir and the apse. The altarpiece was equipped in plateresque style and decorated with sculptures and paintings of the Flemish painter Simon Pereyns. Fragments of wall paintings can be seen on a side wall yet. The pulpit and the organ from the 17th century are impressive.

Outside the church there is an atrium, remember whose walls still different engravings and crests of the conquerors. From the surrounding cloisters you can find the entrances to the refectory, the kitchen and the sacristy.

Franciscan Convent and Cathedral of Cuernavaca

Cuernavaca is he capital of Morelos. Its cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its construction started in 1533 to serve the neighboring Franciscan convent as a church or shrine. There is an open chapel in Gothic pillars, built 1536-1538 in close proximity to the cathedral. To this day, parts of the murals can be seen from the 16th century in the monastery of the Convention. The Chapel of the Third Order is in the atrium. It was built in the Baroque style and has a beautiful altar of carved wood.

Augustinian convent of Atlatlauhcan

Atlatlauhcan is a place in the state of Morelos, where 1570-1600 an Augustinian convent was built. Outside the church there are small chapels in the atrium. The facade of the temple has a bell tower on top. There are on the left side an open chapel, behind a tall tower was built. He has a portico that leads to the monastery, whose vault consists of a hexagonal coffered ceiling, their cartridges are painted with frescoes.

Augustinian and Franciscan Convent of Yecapixtla

Yecapixtla is a municipality in Morelos. Franciscans came here in 1525 and built a modest chapel, which was later replaced by an imposing monastic fortress architecture. The construction management had the Augustinian Jorge de Ávila. Outside the church is an atrium where there are chapels.

The facade of the church is beautiful; the decoration includes cherubs and floral motifs. It has a Gothic rose window on the facade, which is surrounded by sculpted ornaments. Under the schnalen triangular pediment that crowns the facade, is a symbol that reminds us of the Five Wounds of Saint Francis of Assisi, he suffered following the crucifixion wounds of Christ. Another symbol that shows an arrow in a heart that is on the left showing the Augustinian rule.

Franciscan convent of Calpan

The Franciscan convent of Calpan was founded in 1548. Calpan is located in the state of Puebla. A triple arcade leads to an atrium. The facade of the church is decorated with sculptures; some of them make flowers Represents the atrium has four chapels, which served as a small prayer houses. You have floral and geometric designs on its walls and bas-reliefs, which are reminiscent of the Annunciation, the Last Judgment, monograms etc. A fountain in the architecture of the 17th century was later incorporated into the atrium after his scattered all over the city had collected items again.

Other church buildings in the region

• In Tepoztlán, the capital of the state of Morelos is a former Dominican convent. The building, which was built in 1559-1588 and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, like a fortress.
• In Tochimilco, a town in the state of Puebla there is a church that belonged to a Franciscan convent dating from the sixteenth century. The façade was built in the architectural style of the Renaissance.