Painted Churches
From tiny chapels to immense cathedrals, the colonial era churches of Mexico grace the central zócalo (plaza) of almost every Mexican pueblo and city.
After the Spanish conquest of Mexico in the early 1500’s, the Spaniards began building churches, monasteries, and convents in every corner of Mexico. Some proved too grandiose for the amount of money available and were never finished. Others were destroyed in earthquakes or fell into ruin from neglect. However, many of these splendid structures served their congregations well for hundreds of years and have been lovingly restored and maintained.
The Oaxaca Valley is home to three of my favorites (so far). The architectural style is similar in all three, but their beauty was bestowed upon them by the artists who wielded the paintbrushes.
Saint Ana del Valle
Church of Saint Anne, Santa Ana del Valle
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Santo Domingo de Ocotlán
Santo Domingo de Ocotlán: Ceiling
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Santa Ana Zegache
Ahhh…I saved the best for last. There is nothing shy about this church! Perhaps drenching the sculptured details with polychromatic colors was not part of the original designer’s vision, but the church wears them proudly. Looking at it just makes you feel happy.
Church in Santa Ana Zegache
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Famous Mexican artist Rodolfo Morales (1925 -2001) established a foundation that has provided ongoing work for the people of Zegache while restoring their church and its appointments. Read about this excellent program at www.proyectozegache.com. Some Rodolfo Morales paintings are displayed in a museum next to the Santo Domingo Ocotlán church. For information and photos (before and after) of restorations: www.fcrom.org.mx
Santa Ana Zegache: Interior Entrance
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Alaska, Mexico and Beyond... 
Love Santa Ana Zegache!
Thanks, Shannon. I know. I just kept gawking! I wonder who decided just what color to paint each one of those little details.
Really beautiful. Thank You presenting them to us.
These are really impressive!! Wonder how long it took to do the artwork.
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I can’t imagine! I’ll see if I can find that information.
Your photography does justice to the beauty of the art and architecture.
Marilyn, these details are incredible! Lucky you that you get to explore this part of the world for five months. 🙂
Marilyn, I can spend hours on your site, just looking at your beautiful photographs. Just scrolling through tells the story! Thank you!
Thank you so much for the nice comment. I’m glad you are enjoying the photos of incredible Oaxaca!