Exploring Colonial Mexico©
Exploring Colonial Mexico©
Treasure cities of el barroco poblano
We have dedicated several pages on this web site to el barroco poblano, the distinctive, colorful, and arguably most influential regional expression of the popular baroque style in Mexico, best known for its glittering tiled facades and painted stucco decoration.
In earlier pages, we have featured the folk baroque buildings of Atlixco, a colonial hillside community east of the city of Puebla.Located just south of Atlixco, the picturesque church of La Trinidad Tepango presents a particularly spectacular example of el barroco poblano. Its mosaic like tiled front carries the Pueblan style to the Nth degree. Every surface: facade, belfries, dome, gables and openings, is faced with polychrome tiles of every hue, some patterned in bright colors (azulejos) as well as plain tiles in more subdued earth tones (ladrillos) set in herringbone or zigzag patterns. In addition, many of the tiles are antique, dating from colonial times.
Like the facade, the tower, dome and cupola (left) are encrusted with stucco pilasters and painted pinnacles, adding even greater texture to the mix.
But as with San Juan in Atlixco, the church gateway (right) is probably its most attractive feature, designed and ornamented in classic folk baroque style. Constructed in the form of a classical triumphal arch with baroque touches, the imposing entry is flanked by paired columns embossed with red and green vines that stand out against the tiled front. Niches between the columns contain statues of brown robed saints in a popular vein, while the diminutive figure of El Padre Eterno looks out from a niche above the main archway.
An inspiring display of vernacular architecture and ornament in a rural town.
