Tepotzotlan

About

When the Spanish arrived to the area in 1520, they leveled the indigenous settlement at Tepotzotlan and used it as a base for spreading Christianity to the area. The Jesuits established 3 schools here in the late 16th century, and today, the complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A living survey of colonial architecture, the complex showcases everything from elegant Renaissance to opulent Baroque architecture, and the entire building is now a Museum of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. Inside, you’ll not only find a small exhibition of indigenous artefacts, but some of the country’s most precious folk and religious art (loaned from Mexico City’s Cathedral). Make sure to save a large chunk of time for the Templo de San Francisco Javier - one of Mexico’s most opulent examples of Churrigueresque architecture, where the almost overwhelmingly ornate altars are completely covered in gold gilt.