Cuilapan

Address:

Km10 highway to Zaachila
Oaxaca City, Mexico
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NileGuide Expert tip:

Would you like to witness how an archeological site looks like before being explored and becoming a big touristic point? You've come to the right place.

Description:

This XVI Century convent was never finished, still it's a beautiful example of the architecture built as soon as the Spaniards arrived. The open chapel, characteristic of the first years after the Conquest of Mexico, is a fine story-teller of the work the Dominican Order did in the region. Because only the baptized could enter the temple, and there were so many indigenous, this open chapel, used for masses outside the church, is big and well ornamented.
The convent was built in quarry by the indigenous artists of the region. It's an emblematic site in Oaxaca and an important historic site as well. In February 1831, the former president of Mexico, and one of the Independence heroes, Vicente Guerrero, was killed in this town.
Feeling adventurous? If what you like are the Mixtec ruins, don't forget to inquire about the ruins nearby that contain a pyramid and a tomb, probably a Monte Alban influence.
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