Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro

This site is composed by five Franciscan missions, built during the last phase of the conversion to Christianity of the interior of Mexico. 

Santiago Mission in Jalpan

This postcard was sent by Marco

The Santiago mission in Jalpan was established before the arrival of Junípero Serra in 1744, but Serra was in charge of building the mission complex that stands today from 1751 to 1758, the first to be built. It is dedicated to James the Greater, the first evangelist. This complex is situated in the center of the modern town in front of the main plaza and formed by an atrium, cloister, pilgrim portal and church, with a chapel annex on the left side. The original atrium wall was lost, but reconstructed in the same style, with three portals and inverted arches. The main features of the ornate portal on the facade are Our Lady of the Pillar and the Virgin of Guadalupe, both with Mesoamerican connections, as well as a double headed eagle, meant to symbolize the blending of the two cultures. - in: wikipedia

Mission of Nuestra Señora de la Luz

This postcard was sent by Marco

(...) mission is located in the community of Tancoyol called Nuestra Señora de la Luz de Tancoyol, dedicated to Our Lady of Light. This facade has profuse vegetative ornamentation, with ears of corn prominent and is the most elaborate of the five missions. It is likely that this mission was constructed by Juan Ramos de Lora, who resided here from 1761 to 1767. The structure is similar to those in Jalpan and Landa. (...) The interior has a number of sculptures including one of “Our Lady of Light.” The facade is marked by a rhomboid window surrounded by a representation of the cord Franciscans use to tie their habits. The basic theme of the facade is mercy, represented by interventions by the Virgin Mary and various saints. The iconography of this portal is the most elaborate of the five missions. Indigenous elements are found in the church’s interior, with an image of a jaguar and a person with Olmec features. - in: wkipedia

The five missions (in red what I have):

• Santiago mission in Jalpan
• Santa María del Agua de Landa
• San Francisco del Valle de Tilaco
• Nuestra Señora de la Luz de Tancoyo
• San Miguel Concá