Tlacolula, Mexico

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local features. The door to the Capilla del Santo Cristo (Chapel of Christ), the choir screen and the pulpit rails are magnificent examples of the simple wrought ironwork of the colonial period. The fantastic expertly-worked stucco ornamentation of the chapel resembles that of the Santo Domingo Church in Oaxaca, and the Rosary Chapel in Puebla. Christ, the Virgin of Guadalupe, and martyrs carryng their heads under their arms are portrayed. Also of note are the gold-rimmed mirrors (some embellished with the Habsburg double eagle), the silver chandeliers, the pews and the silver altar. Although Indian influence is occasionally clearly discernible in the ornamentation it is not as evident as in many of the Poblano churches.

A secret passage was discovered in the church which led to a room where valuable silver religious items were discovered. They were hidden here during the Mexican Revolutionary War but are now displayed from time to time.

Tlacolula is also known for its picturesque Sunday market. From Tlacolula it is only 10km/6mi to Mitla.