Templo de San Juan Bautista, or the Temple of Saint John the Baptist, is a breathtaking construction located in the Chihuahua desert of Northern Mexico. Dating back to the16th century, this impressive Roman Catholic mission stands as a reminder of the great tradition of religious architecture in the area. From its simple yet intricate exterior to its beautiful and serene interior, this temple is an incredible sight to behold. With its long history and remarkable features, the Templo de San Juan Bautista is sure to provide visitors with a wealth of interesting facts, information and travel tips. Join us as we explore this majestic temple and learn more about its stunning features and fascinating backstory.
Table of Contents
1. The Templo de San Juan Bautista is actually a complex that consists of three colonial chapels: San Juan Bautista, San Francisco and La Santisima Trinidad.
2. The original structure was a hermitage dedicated to San Juan Bautista, which was constructed in 1619.
3. It is one of the most important Baroque monuments in Queretaro.
4. The most recognized feature of the complex is the pinkish arcades, which frame the chapels.
5. The Tri-Chapel complex was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
6. The complex was originally built for the Franciscan order of San Francisco de Asis to use as a place for their retreats and spiritual exercises.
7. Inside the complex, visitors can find a beautiful altar with a statue of the “Protector of the Temple”, the Virgen del Carmen.
8. The image of Virgen del Carmen was brought from Spain in 1790 and is now housed in the main chapel.
9. Every year, thousands of pilgrims travel to the complex during the feast day of the Virgen del Carmen on 16 July.
10. In 2009, the complex was restored and turned into a tourist attraction, which offers visitors guided tours of the site.
The Templo de San Juan Bautista is a large Roman Catholic church located in the city of Querétaro, Mexico. It was built in 1570 by the Franciscan Friars Minor, and is the oldest church in Querétaro. The main facade is an example of the classic Baroque style, with a mixture of bold curves, vivid colors, and elaborate decoration.
The interior of the church is impressive. There are two levels, featuring ornate carved stone sculptures and grand murals depicting the life of St. John the Baptist. The wooden altarpiece is carved with intricate designs, and decorated with silver, gold, and bronze plaques. The walls are lined with images of all the Saints that are celebrated in the church.
The Templo de San Juan Bautista is considered to be one of the most important churches in Mexico. It was declared a “Minor Basilica” by Pope Paul VI in 1977, and is frequently visited by tourists and locals alike.
1. Getting to Queretaro: The TEMPLO DE SAN JUAN BAUTISTA in Queretaro is conveniently accessible by car, bus, or plane. The closest airport to Templo de San Juan Bautista is Querétaro International Airport, which offers direct flights from Mexico City, Houston, and Dallas.
2. Where to Stay: There are several great accommodation options in Queretaro. One of the most popular is Hotel Palomar Queretaro, which is located within easy walking distance of the Templo de San Juan Bautista. Other nearby options include Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Queretaro and hotel Monterrey Centro Historico.
3. What to See: Templo de San Juan Bautista is a stunning sight to behold. The church was built in the 16th century and has a distinctive maroon ashlar façade. Inside, visitors can get a glimpse of some of the church’s incredible original artworks, including a copper sculpture of St. John the Baptist, a giant canvas painting of the Last Supper, and a beautiful altar. There are also several ornate chapels in the church.
4. Food & Drinks: Visitors to Queretaro can enjoy a range of culinary delights. Traditional Mexican dishes can be found at many of the nearby restaurants, such as El Balcón de San Juan Bautista and La Casa del Caballero. There are also several bars and cafes in the area, such as El Centinela and Café Bizcocho.
5. Nearby Attractions: Aside from Templo de San Juan Bautista, there are several other popular attractions in Queretaro. These include the Centro Cultural Alemán, the Los Arcos archaeological site, and the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve.
Q: What is the history of Templo de San Juan Bautista?
A: The Templo de San Juan Bautista was built around 1680. It is one of the oldest churches in Queretaro, Mexico and is the only remaining part of the original Franciscan missionary complex on the main square of Queretaro City. The temple was renovated and restored in 1998 and continues to serve as an active Catholic church to this day.
Q: What makes Templo de San Juan Bautista unique?
A: Templo de San Juan Bautista in Queretaro stands out due to its Baroque style of architecture and its two sets of vertical symetries. This unique design was created to symbolize the union of the human soul and the divine. Additionally, the archways of the facade frame a beautiful view of the local landscape.
Q: Are there any special events held at Templo de San Juan Bautista?
A: Yes, Templo de San Juan Bautista often hosts religious and cultural events such as Easter, Christmas, and Good Friday Masses as well as cultural exhibitions and concerts. During the Day of the Dead celebrations, the church holds a tradition of performing a dramatically lit procession.
4 Mar, 2024
5 Mar, 2024
5 Mar, 2024