A grand facade rises before you. This is the San Miguel Arcangel Parish. It’s a breathtaking sight. Its history stretches back centuries.
The original San Miguel Arcangel Parish was built in the late 17th century. It was a Baroque style church with two towers. However this changed dramatically in 1880. A self-taught architect named Zeferino Gutierrez Munoz was commissioned to design a new facade.
Legend says he drew inspiration from European cathedrals. His neo-Gothic design transformed the church. It became one of the most photographed churches in Mexico. The towers are visible from almost anywhere in the city.
The San Miguel Arcangel Church served as a vital community center. During the 1737 epidemic it opened a new cemetery. This act along with the work of parish priests proved invaluable during that difficult time.
Further renovations took place in 1850. Don Jose Sotero Zuniga oversaw the installation of Neoclassical altars. These were stuccoed and finished with gold leaf. They replaced an older Baroque interior. Sadly much of the church’s interior was confiscated during the Reform period of 1861.
The San Miguel Arcangel Church’s facade has two sections. The lower section has two pairs of Ionic columns. The upper section features a white marble relief of Saint Michael the Archangel. This sits beneath an oval choir window. Besides the main altar six more altars grace the north and south walls. A chapel dedicated to the Virgin of Pilar stands near the presbytery. Another is dedicated to St Joseph.
Today the former atrium serves as a public plaza and garden. The Jardin San Miguel offers respite from the city’s bustle. It provides a peaceful space. The church itself stands as a testament to faith and architectural artistry. Its beauty and history continue to captivate visitors from around the world.