Get to know Franciscan missions of the Sierra Gorda

If you are looking for a destination in Mexico that allows you to immerse yourself in history and culture, the Franciscan Missions of the Sierra Gorda are an excellent option. This set of five churches built in the 18th century, located in the state of Querétaro, has been considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2003.

The Sierra Gorda Missions were built by Franciscan friars with the aim of evangelizing the indigenous people of the region, and represent an important testimony of the fusion between European and pre-Hispanic culture. These churches, located in isolated places with difficult access, are built with materials from the region and have decorative elements that combine European elements with pre-Hispanic symbols.

The Santiago de Jalpan Mission is the largest and most famous of the five. Its façade has a beautiful relief of the Virgen de la Concepción, while inside you can see wall paintings and sculptures of saints. The Mission of San Miguel Concá is also impressive, with a baroque façade that stands out for its wealth of details.

In addition to the churches, in the Sierra Gorda you can also visit indigenous villages and nature reserves. The Pame live in the area, an indigenous ethnic group that has maintained its traditions despite the passage of time. In the Sierra Gorda nature reserve, you can take walks and bike tours to get to know the flora and fauna of the place, which includes species such as the jaguar, the golden eagle and the ocelot.

The Franciscan Missions of the Sierra Gorda are a sample of Mexico's cultural and religious heritage, and a must for any tourist interested in history and architecture. In addition, the region's mountainous landscape and the presence of indigenous communities make this place a unique and unforgettable experience.