Monday 28 February 2011

A Church Out Of Time


Centuries-old Catholic church in San Juan Chamula, an isolated settlement in the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico


Christians don't worship here anymore, no mass has been heard for more than thirty years. The interior decorations are surreal and all rituals going on inside are pure paganism beyond words. You have to see it for yourself, it's amazing!

16 comments:

Travel France Online said...

Can't resist to comment on the splendid colours of this church! astonishing turquoise, absolutely love it.
Amazing to think that the interior deco is surreal!!
This is quite a find!

Berit said...

Great pictures from an interesting place.
Greetings,
Berit.

Sylvia K said...

Incredible colors and an amazing building/history. I've been to Chiapas, but was only there briefly! I'm really sorry I missed this one! Terrific captures as always, JM!

Sylvia

Small City Scenes said...

so very beautiful--astonishing color. Pure paganism you say. Hmmmm
Can you elaborate on that?
I'm going to research it. MB

Francisca said...

This must rank as the most colorful church I've laid eyes on, even in photos. And the colors are stunning, as are the door and window details. You ARE going to show us the inside too, aren't you, José?

Unknown said...

@Francisca: Sadly, no... This is the kind of place where you don't even dare holding a camera inside...

Day4plus said...

I did do a search on the Church and the whole place is very interesting. Not only a church out of time but a whole town too.

BTW: Those white birds are Trumpeter Swan. They winter over in the valley before going back to the northern tundra. MB

magda said...

Amazing coloured photos !!!
The Church is so beautiful !!!
Greetings

Diane said...

I have never seen anything like this, as you say it is pretty amazing. Diane

Dina said...

Now you've got me very curious. I, too, will have to check this out on Google.

Lowell said...

Have the Wiccans found a home there? Pretty funky! Will "they" let you take pictures inside?

I would have some comments about the strange theology of the RC church, too, but wouldn't want anyone to get upset. :-)

Pooch Purple Reign said...

very cool JM. it seems that you have stirred a curiosity about the inside and its rituals....
me too!!
~laura

Dreamer's Click said...

The blue comes out so well because of the white background!

黄清华 Wong Ching Wah said...

Timeless...

Cezar and Léia said...

Amo o colorido intenso, as bandeirinhas e a entrada eh maravilhosa!
Super suas fotos!
Léia

Regina said...

Wow gorgeous church.