"SANCTUARIO DE ATOTONILCO - Guanajuato - Mexico" Atotonilco by vaticanus

Atotonilco Travel Guide: 3 reviews and 31 photos

The Savior Betrayed By Judas

The Sanctuary of Atotonilco is Mexico's Sistine Chapel.

The Sanctuary of Atotonilco (constructed 1740-7) is 7 miles outside of San Miguel de Allende. It is a tiny but unforgetable place well worth exploring.

On some days, no one is around. Other days, thousands of pilgrims descend on the small church. These photos were taken, using a small rangefinder (Without using flash). The government of Mexico has completely restored this patrimonial and artistic treasure.

Father Hidalgo's tiny band of poor farmers stopped here and took as their standard for the Revolutionary Army a banner displaying the Virgin of Guadalupe.

See the travelogues containing additional photos. Click on the photo to enlarge.

I have posted all of my Atotonilco photos on flickr.com as large jpeg files. (avg size 3.5 MB)

Judas Repents

Judas returns the silver- Atotonilco

Painted by Miguel Antonio de Pocosangre. Miguel had no formal training in western painting. He was an Indian. I find this picture interesting because of the obvious use of perspective. Note that Judas is returning the silver (the priests refuse to accept it) and look way way back in the distance and you see Jesus led away by soldiers.

Judas Leads Soldiers

Judas and Jesus- Atotonilco

My guess this scene occurs in the garden, but look at the energy and movement of the figures on the left and center- This is just as good as the murals in the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mejico.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Gorgeous Intricate Colonial Art. A World Heritage Treasure.
In a nutshell:Mexico's Sistine Chapel.

Last visit to Atotonilco: Dec 1999
Intro Updated Jan 18, 2011
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chauncenetta May 25, 2003 at 6:38 AM

Wonderful representation of Atontonilco. I am so glad this structure is being preserved. A true treasure of Spanish occupied Mexico, to truly feel the psyche of that region.

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ephobius May 21, 2003 at 9:25 PM

Just 1 hour from my hometown and I haven't been here! I must go some weekend. Thanks for the excellent pictures!