Santa María del Agua de Landa mission

The mission in Landa de Matamoros is a religious building with an ornately decorated stone facade in Churrigueresque style, incorporating local artistic features. The grounds include multiple structures and open spaces that form a complete religious center from the 18th century.

It was built between 1760 and 1768 and was the final mission in a series of five Franciscan stations established in the Sierra Gorda region. It emerged during a period when Spain was consolidating control of the area through religious and cultural institutions.

The church displays stonework where local artisans integrated their own artistic traditions into a style that feels both Spanish and local. Visitors can see this blend directly on the facades, where European and indigenous motifs stand side by side.

The site is located in Landa de Matamoros and can be reached via Highway 120, which connects the towns of Jalpan and Xilitla in Querétaro state. Visitors should expect uneven terrain and wear appropriate footwear to explore the various areas of the compound comfortably.

The grounds today span several hectares, making it the largest religious compound among this group of missions. This generous scale allows visitors to understand the different functional areas and spatial organization of a complete mission center.