From time to time we take a look at modest Mexican churches with colonial antecedents that are overlooked by most students of viceregal art and architecture, but that often possess features of special historic and artistic interest. We like to call them Hidden Gems.
In the mountain community of El Puente, near the old mining town of Mineral del Chico in eastern Hidalgo state, we find this modest colonial chapel dedicated to El Señor de Los Laureles, a miracle working local santo.
Although of uncertain origin, the chapel probably dates back to the 1700s and may be the site of a former hermitage attached to the Augustinian priory at Atotonilco El Grande—as evidence, mural fragments in the nave bearing the arrow pierced heart of the Order.
An inscribed, dedicatory keystone dated 1777 (a later addition?) is set in the coffered arch of its venerable stone doorway, which is carved with a variety of relief rosettes.
The atrium cross, raised on a stone plinth in front of the church is one of a handful of “tilted” crosses in the region, incised with an inner cruciform outline and capped by a bescrolled INRI plaque.
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| "Las Monjas" © Daniel Aguilar Bazan |
The chapel stands in view of the celebrated regional rock formation known as Las Monjas.
Check out some of our other Hidden Gems: Xichu de Indios; San Felipe Sultepec; San Pablo Malacatepec; Ocoxochitepec; Mixquiahuala; Cherán; Tetliztaca;
text © 2017 Richard D. Perry
Thanks to Niccolò Brooker who brought this church to our attention
and supplied most of the images
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