Atotonilco

Atotonilco (Náhuatl: "place of the hot waters"), a convent founded by Father Felipe Neri de Alfaro in 1740, is a popular place of pilgrimage with a much-revered statue of the Redeemer. It lies approximately 15km/9.3mi north of the town and about 3km/2mi from the road. After the proclamation of Mexico's independence from Spain the priest Miguel Hidalgo interrupted his march at the head of his hastily-assembled army here. Taking the painting of the Virgin of Guadelupe from the church, he fixed it to his banner. In this way the Madonna became the patroness of the Mexican freedom movement.