The restored former hospital chapel of this "Place of the Flowers," also in the municipality of Tlajomulco, is one of the best known examples of the Jaliscan popular baroque outside Guadalajara.
Behind its ornate late 17th century front, the sanctuary and apse of the 16th century Franciscan open chapel are still preserved (see plan). In the later 1600s, a large transverse nave, divided into three shallow aisles, was added to the original arcaded sanctuary. The tower was a later addition.
The Facade
According to a dated plaque over the central doorway, the facade was added in 1692. Fashioned from the famous, honey colored cantera amarilla of the area, it is an extraordinary work of popular architecture and sculptural relief.
As was customary with many colonial hospital chapels, Santa Cruz was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The gable niche contains a statue of the Virgin of the Rosary and a side chapel is dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe.
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For more information on the colonial arts and architecture of Jalisco,
consult our guidebook, Blue Lakes & Silver Cities
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ReplyDeleteGreat memories! Love this chapel and its mate across the plaza, Nuestra Señora de la Soledad. I was lucky enough to get into the interior of this chapel - thanks to a kind gentleman who found the sacristan for me. There are some equally intricate and unusual carved arches inside as well as, in a niche and flanked by a lovely statue of the virgen, a carved stone cross -undoubtedly formerly in the atrium.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments. Yes, the arcaded nave is delightful. In fact I plan to add a post on the interior
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