Atotonilco Sanctuary

Plain outside

A plain, fortress-like church holds the Sistine Chapel of Mexico

The sanctuary was built in the 18th century by Father Luis Felipe Neri de Alfaro. Outside it is very plain, with high walls that give it a fortress appearance. Inside, rich Mexican Baroque mural work has led to its being called the Sistine Chapel of Mexico.

A vision

A vision of Jesus with a crown of thorns started the building

According to tradition, Father Neri was called upon by a vision of Jesus with a crown of thorns on his head, blood on his face and carrying a cross. The landscape has been compared to Jerusalem, and the main entrance faces east, towards Jerusalem.

The murals

Antonio Martínez de Pocasangre painted the walls over thirty years

The walls and ceilings are nearly covered in mural work, sculpture, inscriptions and oil paintings in a style called Mexican folk Baroque. Most of it was painted by Antonio Martínez de Pocasangre, in a style imitating Flemish painting known through Belgian prints.

thirty yearsthe period over which most of the murals were painted

The nave

The nave ceiling follows a path from sin and Hell to the glory of God

The story of Jesus's ministry is told along the main nave, especially the ceiling, in sections divided by arches that carry verses written by Father Neri. The line along the ceiling is supposed to trace the path from sin and Hell to the glory of God's presence.

The chamber

The Chamber of Glory ends the story with the Resurrection

Behind the main altar, the Camarín de la Gloria was built between 1740 and 1748. It is circular and topped with a dome, where angels, musicians and statues of the Apostles are arranged in a circular hierarchy beneath flames representing the Holy Spirit.