Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Luz, Colonial religious landmark in Puebla City, Mexico.
The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Luz stands at Avenida 2 Ote 1401 in Puebla's Barrio de la Luz. Its grey cantera portal has two bodies with Ionic pilasters and Tuscan columns under a semicircular arch, while the facade is covered in glazed tile panels contrasting with red brick, with mosaics of Saints Peter and Paul. The plan is a Greek cross, as at the Sagrario Metropolitano in Mexico City; the towers are grey cantera with pyramidal pinnacles.
Construction of the church began in 1761 under the direction of priest Manuel del Toro and continued over several decades. The project was completed in 1818, marking the end of a lengthy building phase in the city.
The church stands in the Barrio de la Luz, a district once known for its potters and glassmakers, and its facade of red brick and glazed tile panels reflects that craft tradition. The tile mosaics depict Saints Peter and Paul. Inside are paintings by Miguel de Mendoza, made before the church was completed.
The church is located at Avenida 2 Ote 1401 in Puebla City and is accessible to visitors during the week. Keep in mind that it remains an active place of worship, so opening hours may vary depending on services and religious events.
The Greek cross plan is shared with few Mexican churches, among them the Sagrario Metropolitano in Mexico City. The church stands on the site of the tlaxicalli of Tepetlapa, a pre-Hispanic ward of the Analco district, an area known for its potters and glassmakers.
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