Parish and Ex monastery of All Saints, Zempoala, Hidalgo, Mexico, Franciscan monastery from colonial period in Zempoala, Mexico.
The Parish and Ex Monastery of All Saints is a stone complex from the 16th century with wide courtyards and walls that combine European and local craftsmanship. Its structure includes a church, adjacent buildings, and a walled courtyard that served as the monastery's center.
Franciscan friars began building this complex in the 1530s as part of their mission to establish Christianity in indigenous territories. The construction was part of a broader system of monasteries that Spain built across Mesoamerica.
The plaza in front of the complex serves as a gathering space for local celebrations and community events that continue today. The site remains central to how residents experience their town, just as it has been since its founding.
The grounds are accessible year-round and visitors can explore both interior and exterior areas. The church and courtyards offer good opportunities for photography, and the elevated location provides views across the town of Zempoala.
The walls display various stonework marks and craft techniques that show how local workers contributed their skills to the construction. These details in the walls tell more about the actual labor and the people behind the building than many documents could.
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