Tlayacapan Church of San Antonio - San Antonio Tlayacapan, Mexico
Posted by: 
bluesneaky
N 20° 17.612 W 103° 14.478
13Q E 683647 N 2244942
In a sleepy little Mexican village you will find some of the oldest remains of European settlement in North or South America.
Waymark Code: WME0V1
Location: Jalisco, Mexico
Date Posted: 03/18/2012
Views: 4
This steeple is what remains of the first church built in 1524. That is just one year after Cortez sent his men to the area to protect the Franciscan monks who came in 1522-23 to bring Christianity to the indigenous people of the area! (Franciscan Friar Juan de Padilla and the Spanish soldier Alonso de Avalos) That's getting pretty close to the beginning of the appearance of white men in America. The church was improved upon and took on the look of much of its present remains 7 years later in 1531 during a revitalization by Franciscan Fray Miguel de Bologna, Fray Martin de Jesus or Coruna and Fray Juan de Amolón
And what is the steeple used for today? It sits in the court yard of the elementary school and the kids bounce soccer balls off of it. Its just part of every day life here. No special monument or plaque will be found. Its just always been there is the attitude of the locals who seem to see little significance in the treasure they have in their backyard. Its older than all of the magnificent old churches and cathedrals you will visit in the area or Guadalajara. This is the first church ever built in the lake area.
You can find this steeple right across from the street of the "modern" church still in use today. To get close enough to touch you will have to visit the school office first but you can clearly see it anytime through the east gates to the school.
Be sure to take the time to visit this waymark if you are in the area. The town square adjacent to the steeple is a wonderful place to "discover". Peaceful and beautiful are additives that come to quick to describe the surroundings.
Type: Remnant
Fee: no
Hours:
24/7
Related URL: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Original photographs showing additional views of the Ruin/Remnant or even just its current condition are encouraged. Please describe your visit, especially if no additional photos are available. Did you like the Ruin or Remnant? What prompted you to see the Ruin or Remnant?