Sanctuary of Atotonilco Tours

Sanctuary of Atotonilco which includes interior views
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This important pilgrimage site, also known as the Sistine Chapel of Mexico, contains murals and frescoes with graphic depictions of the suffering of Christ.

Gaze at the simple fortress-like exterior of the Sanctuary of Atotonilco before entering to see an explosion of vivid colors behind its white walls. Inside this 18th-century religious complex is a sumptuous collection of murals and frescoes that adorn walls, chapels and ceilings. The sanctuary is one of Mexico’s most revered Catholic sites, attracting thousands of visitors each week.

Study the details of the frescoes, many charting the life and death of Jesus Christ and parts of the history of the Spanish conquest of the New World. Some images are gruesome, including a depiction of a heavily bleeding Christ surrounded by dead and decaying bodies.

Look up at the ceiling for colorful paintings of the last few days of the life of Jesus, including his crucifixion. A painted epitaph of Father Neri Alfaro, the founder of the sanctuary, is located near the main altar where his body lies in a tomb in the wall. One of Father Neri's religious regimes was to whip himself to duplicate Christ’s suffering on the way to the cross. This act of self-flagellation is maintained by some of the pilgrims who come here.

View The Lord of the Column, a 19th-century wooden statue of Jesus covered in blood from the whippings he received. Every year, this important icon is carried from the sanctuary to San Miguel de Allende as part of the festivities before Easter.

Visit the richly decorated chapels, including the Camarin of the Apostles behind the main altar. It features statues of the Virgin Mary and the closest followers of Jesus Christ. Elsewhere in the sanctuary’s main church are many images of saints, monks, dragons, snakes, devils and demons.

This religious center is also of historical significance. In 1810, Mexican revolutionary Father Miguel Hidalgo took the sanctuary's banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe to fight under. See a replica of the flag in the sacristy.

The Sanctuary of Atotonilco is located in the town of Atotonilco, about 9 miles (14 kilometers) from San Miguel de Allende. Drive, take a taxi or ride on a bus.

Plan a trip to see Sanctuary of Atotonilco

Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende Urban Resort
Amatte San Miguel de Allende
Imperio de Angeles
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Reviews of Sanctuary of Atotonilco

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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" "4 - Good 21.311475409836067%
3 - Okay
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" "3 - Okay 2.459016393442623%
2 - Disappointing
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3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Sep 22, 2019

The inside of the church is beautiful but it is also old and one can see there are limited resources for upkeep. This is approximately a 15 min drive outside of San Miguel de Allende, so keep in mind if you plan to go there! There is literally nothing else to see around it. Quick 5 min in and out.

5/5 - Excellent

Lee
Jun 21, 2019

Worth the trip, continue on to Dolores Hidalgo.

5/5 - Excellent

Theresa
Mar 21, 2019

This lovely, historic town lies in a mountainous region with narrow cobblestone streets and stone sidewalks. While everything is within walking distance, it would be difficult for anyone with limited mobility. The hotel does have main floor rooms available.

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