The Temple of Solitude, Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán
Tzintzuntzan
is another “Pueblo Mágico,” and we recommend that you visit its numerous
attractions. A visit to the "Templo de la Soledad" is absolutely a “must do.”
This religious structure is carefully watched over by members of the community.
It is a Baroque-style temple dating from the 17th century,
where you can see works of colonial art, not to mention religious images that
this community greatly reveres.
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| Temple of Solitude in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán |
Tzintzuntzan is about 18 kilometros (9 miles) from Pátzcuaro, by Route 120. Keep in mind that Tzintzuntzan (“place of the hummingbirds,” in the native language) was the capitol of the once powerful Purépecha empire. Our knowledgeable guests at Mansión Iturbe insist on visiting this historic place when touring our famous destinations.
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| Atrium of the Olives in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán |
The
Templo de la Soledad is but a part of a complex that includes the Ex Convento Franciscano de Santa Ana (a jewel of colonial architecture of Mexico), and the atrium of centuries-old olive trees that greets the visitors when they enter
the grounds.
The
facade of the temple is remarkable in itself, with its pillars and other
details.
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| The facade of the Temple of Solitude in Tzintzuntzan |
Visiting
the Temple, you will observe that there is a person from the community who is
watching over things. They are there to answer your questions. This is your
opportunity to interact with local people, and learn more about the rich
artistic and cultural heritage of the community of
Tzintzuntzan. Don’t be embarrassed to practice your Spanish!
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| Temple of Solitude in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán |
The
decor inside is neoclassical. The painted and decorated wooden ceiling are
highlighted, an example of the coffered ceilings of Michoacán. You'll find
different religious images of the famous “caña de maíz,” or sugarcane pulp.
Tzintzuntzan is well known for its sculptures from the 16th and
17th centuries. This technique of the Purepechas greatly
impressed the evangelists with its clarity and lightness.
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| Decorated wooden ceiling at Temple of Solitude in Tzintzuntzan |
Standing
out among the various religious images is the “Christ that grows,” which is a
sugarcane-pulp sculpture of el Santo Entierro, which is a very revered image.
People from all over come to venerate him, asking for resolutions to health
issues.
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| Sculpture of "El Santo Entierro"made of Sugarcane-pulp at Temple of Solitude in Tzintzuntzan |
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| Sacred art at the Temple of Solitude in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán |
There
are different paintings of sacred art to be seen here. One image that jumps
into view is the Virgen del Pino, patron saint of the island of Gran Canaria in
Spain. This work was made in Valladolid (today Morelia) in 1790, by the painter
Juan de Dios Mercado.
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| Virgen de Pino at the Temple of Solitude in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán |
In
the painting you can clearly read: "True portrait of María Ssma. Pine,
which appeared in the place of the Gran Canaria ysla Teror. Year
1488."
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| The Temple of Solitude in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán |
Take
time to observe the details of the architecture and the many works of sacred
art in this beautiful place.
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| Sacred Art at the Temple of Solitude in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán |
While
in Tzintzuntzan, give yourself time to do a little shopping and enjoy some of
the great food available. Just follow your nose!
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| Temple of Solitude in Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán |
*Text and pictures property of Hotel Mansión Iturbe in Pátzcuaro.
We invite you to visit our blog, you will find information about Pátzcuaro and its surroundings that we hope will be useful for your next trip to our colonial town in Mexico.
Here are some post that we suggest you:
Archaelogical Sight of Tzintzuntzan
Museum of the Old Franciscan Convent of Santa Ana in Tzintzuntzan
Tzintzuntzan and its Guadalupe Chapel
Hotel Mansion Iturbe
Portal Morelos 59
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