Templo de San Francisco de Asis : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 20 Jun, 2023
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Welcome to the fascinating world of the San Francisco de Asis Temple – one of Mexico’s most impressive religious sites. This temple is located in the village of Teotitlan del Valle in the state of Oaxaca. It is an incredibly well-preserved piece of history, featuring a stunning Baroque facade, exquisite hand-crafted sculptures, and a unique blend of religious and indigenous culture that draws visitors from all over the world. In this blog, we’ll explore the history and interesting facts about the San Francisco de Asis Temple, as well as provide detailed information about the local area and travel tips. Come along and discover why this site should be on the top your bucket list!
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Templo de San Francisco de Asis
1. The Templo de San Francisco de Asis in Oaxaca, Mexico, was built in the late 16th century, making it one of the oldest churches in the area.
2. It is believed to be the only church built in the Americas using the pre-Hispanic Baroque style of architecture.
3. The facade of the church contains sculptures of numerous Aztec gods and symbols, and is the only remaining example of this kind of decoration in the region.
4. Inside the church, the intricate Aztec-style frescoes of mythical and religious scenes are a unique feature, making this one of the most important collections of its kind in the world.
5. The Templo contains a large crypt, a small museum, and a crypt that is said to contain the remains of the indigenous people of Mexico who were enslaved during the Spanish colonial period.
6. The Templo is famed for its unique acoustics, as the sound made by any instrument played in the building is amplified and has a reverberant quality.
7. Not far from the Templo de San Francisco de Asis is the remarkable Archeological Museum of Oaxaca, which includes evidence of the civilization which once inhabited the region of Oaxaca.
History & Information About Templo de San Francisco de Asis
, Mexico
Templo de San Francisco de Asis is located in the beautiful city of Oaxaca, Mexico. The church was commissioned by Spanish conquistador Francisco de Montejo to serve the citizens of his new Spanish settlement. Construction of the church began in 1574 and was completed in 1596.
The church’s design is a unique mixture of Gothic, Mudejar, and Baroque styles. In addition to its intricate and ornate facade, its walls contain a number of statues and paintings depicting Biblical scenes. The temple served as an important center of religious life for centuries, and is still visited by locals and tourists alike.
The interior includes brightly painted walls and ceilings, and a large altar, which is dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi. There are a number of religious artifacts on display, such as an Aqua de Santa Maria fountain and a number of sacred sculptures.
The temple has been declared an official National Historic Monument of Mexico and is considered to be one of the most beautiful churches in the region. It has also been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in recognition of its impressive architecture and historical importance.
Today, Templo de San Francisco de Asis remains an important place of worship, with regular services still celebrated. It is also open to the public from Monday through Saturday, allowing visitors to appreciate its amazing architecture and religious history.
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Travel Guide For Visiting Templo de San Francisco de Asis
Templo de San Francisco de Asis is a beautiful colonial-era church located in the city of Oaxaca, Mexico. The current structure was built in 1718 and stands as an example of baroque architecture. The church is famous for its stunning artwork, which includes two well-known paintings – one of the Virgin Mary and the other of St. Francis of Assisi. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, art lover, or religious believer, the Templo de San Francisco is sure to captivate you with its grandeur.
Getting There:
The easiest way to reach Templo de San Francisco de Asis is to fly into the Oaxaca International Airport (OAX). From the airport, the temple is approximately 20 minutes by taxi. If you plan to use public transportation, you can take the Trentur bus line to the center of Oaxaca and then transfer to the Turibus, which will travel to the temple’s central plaza.
Things to Do:
When visiting Templo de San Francisco de Asis, there are many activities to enjoy. Tour the interior of the church to view its incredible artwork, including the artwork of acclaimed Latin American artists Miguel Cabrera and Poanza y Gonzalez. On Sundays, you can experience religious services here and listen to beautiful singing from the choir. After you visit the church, stroll the surrounding streets and visit nearby shops and markets.
Nearby Attractions:
In addition to Templo de San Francisco de Asis, there are plenty of other attractions in Oaxaca that are worth visiting. Take a day trip to the Zapotec Ruins of Monte Albán to see a pre-Columbian archaeological site. Also, don’t miss the many art galleries, museums, and markets that Oaxaca has to offer, such as the Santo Domingo Cultural Center and the Santo Domingo Church.
When to Visit:
The best time of year to visit the Templo de San Francisco de Asis is from November to April, when the weather is dry and warm. However, if you plan on attending religious services, they are held year-round on Sundays.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Templo de San Francisco de Asis
Q: What is the significance of Templo de San Francisco de Asis?
A: Templo de San Francisco de Asis is considered to be one of Oaxaca’s finest Baroque monuments, attracting visitors from all over the world. It’s an important example of New Spanish Baroque architecture in Mexico and the Americas, and is renowned for its remarkable and elaborate stonework.
Q: How old is Templo de San Francisco de Asis?
A: The original Templo de San Francisco de Asis was constructed in 1576 and was renovated in the late 16th century, making the current structure over 400 years old.
Q: Is Templo de San Francisco de Asis open to the public?
A: Yes, Templo de San Francisco de Asis is open to the public most days from 9:00am–6:00pm. Visitors can take in the spectacular Baroque architecture from a guided tour of the church.