Featured Architecture

• St. Michael (San Miguel), 16th Century, Huejotzingo, Puebla

  

  The Franciscans established a mission in Huejotzingo in 1529. Construction of the present buildings started in the late 1540s and the complex was completed in the 1570s. Juan de Alameda was the architect and engineer. All four posa chapels are still in tact. Both the church and monastery retain original murals from the 16th and early 17th century. Most notable mural: the original 12 Franciscan friars who came to Mexico in 1524.

  ---

• Alfiz

  

  A rectangular molding or frame surrounding an ARCH This is a Mudéjar or Moorish element.

  ---

• Pierced Merlons

  

  The high segment of the alternating high and low segments of a BATTLEMENT. A merlon is often square with a pyramidal cap. It is sometimes pierced, originally to allow archers to shoot from behind it, but more recently for ornamental purposes.

  ---

• Porteria

  

  An open, arcaded waiting area at the entrance to a convento or monastery.

  ---

• Posa Chapel

  

  A processional chapel. In colonial Mexico monasteries had four posas, one in each corner of the ATRIUM. Religious processions proceeded counter-clockwise around the atrium pausing at each of the posas.

  ---