"Saints and roses" Tlacochahuaya de Morelos Things to Do Tip by TheWanderingCamel

Painted in the blue and red pigments derived initially from the indigo and cochineal that are found all over Oaxaca, the riot of flowers and saints, cherubs and archangels (photo 1)that cover almost all the internal walls and ceiling of the church are the glory of Tlacochahuaya's 16th century Iglesia de San Jeronimo (photo 2).

The church stands inside a huge compound where three open-air chapels (poza - photo 3) set at the corners of the compound saw the conversions of thousands of the indigenous people in the years following the arrival of the Spanish. The Dominican missionaries are long gone but their work and the artistry of the Indian craftsmen who built and decorated the church and the adjoining monastery is something very special that are an architectural treasure and an enduring memorial to the lives of both these extraordinary groups of men . Be sure the climb the narrow stairs to the choir loft for a bird's eye view of the nave, and don't miss the cloister of the monastery (photo 4).

Look up as you enter the church to see the carving of St Jerome in the wilderness, contemplating Christ on the Cross and hearing the voice of God. (photo 5)

Directions: Tlacochahuaya is 7km from El Tule (home of the massive water cypress tree, on every tourist itinerary) and about 17 km from Oaxaca