Mexico. San Miguel Atlautla

Set in the shadow of the volcano Popocatepetl, the church of San Miguel Atlautla appears hewn from local basalt blocks inside and out.

Beside the dark, cliff like exterior stands a stone cross, also sculpted from local basalt with numerous symbols of the Passion in high relief.

The principal colonial artifact inside the church is the expansive early 18th century altarpiece, replete with gilded spiral columns and home to a recently restored statue of the titular saint as well as colonial paintings of archangels. Several other paintings illustrate scenes from the life of Christ.

The porteria beside the church leads to an overgrown patio.

text © 2022 Richard D. Perry

color images from online sources