Ex Convent of Santa Ana in Tzintzuntzan a Jewel of Mexican Colonial Architecture

The Magic Town of Patzcuaro and its surroundings offer the visitor many tourist attractions, especially on the banks of Lake Patzcuaro.  We at Hotel Mansion Iturbe want to introduce you to all these destinations that form part of Ruta Don Vasco and enjoy the Colonial Mexico.

In this article, Mansión Iturbe showcases one of our favorite cultural tourism sites, the Ex Convent of Santa Ana in Tzintzuntzan.




Tzintzuntzan offers many Cultural Tourist Attractions

Tzintzuntzan is just twenty minutes away from Pátzcuaro.   “Tzintzuntzan” means “Place of the Hummingbirds” in the indigenous language – Purépecha – and is a typical Purhépecha village with friendly people and many attractions, and an enormous historical and cultural legacy. 

Tzintzuntzan is also an important regional center for indigenous Folk Art, where you can buy locally made items directly from the artisans. If you like Handcrafts this is a place you will really enjoy.




In Tzintzuntzan you will find beautiful Mexican Folk Art




Entrance of the Ex Convent of Santa Ana in Tzintzuntzan

The yácatas (Purhépecha pyramids), just a few blocks from the central historical area, comprise a very important archaeological site.  A brand new museum annex to the existing museum was inaugurated the end of September 2012.  You can’t visit Tzintzuntzan without visiting the famous yácatas.

But how easy it has been to digress!  Our primary focus in this article is the Ex Convent of Santa Ana an real jewel of the Cultural Tourism in Mexico.



Religious Art at the Ex Convent of Santa Ana in Tzintzutzan




Open Chapel at the Ex Convent of Santa Ana in Tzintzuntzan
 

This architectural treasure dates from the sixteenth century; it is a fine example of the baroque, and is in the final stages of restoration.  Members of the Tzintzuntzan Community have lent an exemplary hand in the project with the help of the Civil Organization Adopt a Work of Art and the support of the Local  Government, Michoacan State Government and the Mexican Federal Government.




Discover an authentic Mexican Kitchen at the Ex Convent in Tzintzuntzan
 

As part of the restoration of this historic monument, workshops have been developed to teach members of the community the different techniques needed for the restoration.  The efforts have been exhausting, but they have been well worth the effort.  The renovation of the seventeenth- and eighteenth-century frescos are particularly noteworthy, they are excellent examples of the Colonial Art.




Colonial Art at the Ex Convent of Santa Ana in Tzintzuntzan




Religious Art at the Ex Convent of Santa Ana in Tzintzuntzan



One of the Murals at the Ex Convent of Santa Ana in Tzintzuntzan

To reach the Ex Convent you must go through the magnificent olive grove, with its thirty olive trees that were planted almost five centuries ago.  The care and maintenance of these exquisite specimens from the early years of the sixteenth century, thankfully, are also a part of the ongoing restoration of the Ex Convent.  They are breathtaking.  

Olive Trees in Tzintzunzan



Olive Trees Atrium in Tzintzuntzan




Religious Art in Tzintzuntzan

 

The result of these combined labors is nothing less than stunning and with them, the patrimony of the community is being preserved.




Tzintzuntzan a place to visit if you like Cultural Tourism

In 2008, the Queen of Denmark, Margarit II, and Mexican President Felipe Calderon, toured the restoration area.  The Royal Danish House had provided funds to support the undertaking.  It so happens that one of her ancestors, Fray Jacobo Daciano, had conducted some of his missionary work in this very area.

The cross in the main atrium at the Ex Convent in Tzintzuntzan

 




 One of the doors inside the Ex Convent of Santa Ana in Tzintzuntzan

Let our Hotel in Patzcuaro, Mansion Iturbe we want to help you to discover this jewel of the Colonial Mexico and many other attractions that Patzcuaro and its surroundings have to enjoy and discover.


Mexican Folk Art made by the Purepechas in Tzintzuntzan




Colonial Art at the Ex Convent of Santa Ana in Tzintzuntzan

 

*Text and Pictures property of Hotel Mansion Iturbe.

We also invite you to check more articles in our blog, here are some post that might be interesting for you:

The National Copper Museum in Santa Clara del Cobre is a must-do/must-see!

Ucareo – “Oasis of Eastern Michoacán”

Discover the Magic Town of Tacambaro

Hotel Mansion Iturbe

Portal Morelos 59

Plaza Vasco de Quiroga

61600 Patzcuaro, Michoacan

MEXICO

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