Tepotzotlan (The Viceregal Museum)

When people think of Mexican history they either think of prehispanic Mexico or modern times.  There seems to be amnesia regarding the 300 years the territory was ruled by the Spanish Monarchy between 1521 and 1821, yet this was a decisive chapter in establishing the roots of what is contemporary Mexico today.

Join us for a visit to the Magical Town of Tepotzotlan, on the northern outskirts of the city to visit an ex-religious compound made up of a series of restored chapels, gardens and an exhaustive collection of religious art, which experts consider the best example of high baroque artwork in the country. It is impressive enough to have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

The main altar of the ex-Jesuit headquarters for New Spain, today the country’s Viceregal Museum, will leave you speechless.  It is considered by experts to be the greatest examples of Churrigueresque (or High Baroque) artwork in Mexico.  The museum houses a wide array of ivory, corn stalk sculptures, crowned nun paintings and wooden religious art dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The grounds include a lovely garden and an orchard often used for weddings and cultural events.

(NOTE: Not to be confused with TEPOZTLAN, near Cuernavaca.)

This visit runs about 3 hours plus travel time (depending on traffic and our starting point, about 1 hour each way).  Transportation can be arranged if necessary.