Discover the Remarkable Franciscan Missions in Quéretaro

 

Santa María del Agua de Landa

If you’re like me and are the kind of traveler who likes to get off the beaten path, then you’ll appreciate the adventure of reaching the five Franciscan missions in México’s Querétaro state. 

Traveling east from the city of Querétaro it takes about 3 to 4 hours driving time to reach Jalpan de Serra, the main town close to all these missions. Along the way you will enter the rugged Sierra Gorda Biosphere region where the road is at times very curvy and winding as it threads through the different elevations in this very pristine wilderness. In this case, the journey to reach these missions becomes a part of the overall exciting adventure experience. 

Nuestra Señora de la Luz de Tancoyol

These five missions are no ordinary landmarks. They’ve been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Santiago de Jalpan, San Miguel Concá, San Francisco del Valle de Tilaco, Nuestra Señora de la Luz de Tancoyol, and Santa María del Agua de Landa are deeply rooted in the efforts of Spanish missionaries in the mid-18th century to reach the people who lived in this remote wilderness. Built between 1751 and 1760, they were the brainchild of Junípero Serra, a Franciscan friar who also established missions in California.

Once built, these missionaries still faced tough resistance from local native groups. The harsh terrain and the challenge of gaining trust in this remote area was a slow and difficult process. However, over time and much persistence, these missions eventually became essential hubs for spreading Christianity in the Sierra Gorda.

The facades of these missions tell the story of a meshing between two different cultures.

What makes these Franciscan missions in the state of  Querétaro stand out and why UNESCO recognized them is the unique mix of Spanish Baroque architecture and indigenous artistic styles in their design. The most captivating element of each mission is its ornate façade. The intricate carvings mesh European religious imagery with indigenous symbols. You’ll see saints surrounded by local animals, plants, and abstract designs that reflect the fusion of two cultures.

Each of these five Franciscan missions in Querétaro tells a story through its façade which makes them not just religious centers but also cultural landmarks.

As I mentioned before, getting to these missions is not exactly a quick trip but it is doable. The drive through the 950,000 acre Sierra Gorda Biosphere to view these missions in eastern Querétaro state is well worth the effort if you consider yourself to be a “Curious and Adventurous Traveler.”

These 5 recognized World Heritage Sites are a reminder of the fascinating history that shaped this remote region of México and offer a rewarding adventure you won’t soon forget.

Click Here for more quick information about the state of Querétaro.

This 11 day guided tour also includes a visit to some of these missions.
The Best of Queretaro Missions, Magic Towns & Mountains Tour