Convents of Mixteca Alta

As well as the numerous interesting pre-Columbian and colonial sights both in the capital Oaxaca and in the surrounding area, a visit to the famous 16th c. Dominican convents in the mountainous region of Mixteca Alta is recommended. As these places are on or near the MEX 190 north-west of Oaxaca they are easily accessible. The route leads mainly through high-lying cold valleys. In pre-Columbian times this region formed the centre of the land ruled by the Mixtecs ("those from the land of the clouds") who mainly settled in large towns (Tilantongo, Achiotla, Yanhuitlán, Coixtlahuaca, Tlaxiaco, Zopollán, etc.) between ad 1000 and 1521.

The Spanish conquerors, concerned with the quickest possible colonisation and conversion, built a number of splendid Dominican convents, all probably designed by the same architect, with any structural differences attributable to the use of different local craftsmen. For the foundations of their convents the Spanish used material from the ruined Indian temples.