Tupátaro

A visit to the Sistine Chapel? No need to leave Mexico!

Lying between Morelia and Pátzcuaro is the lovely little village of Tupátaro. The little whitewashed 18th century church there, Santiago Apóstal, is often called the 'Sistine Chapel of Mexico,' for its elaborately painted ceiling (although there is another church—the Sanctuary of Atotonilco—just north of San Miguel Allende, that also claims this moniker!)

 

Nevertheless, the church represents an incredible display of devotion by the small congregation. Now managed by INAH (Mexico's National Institute of Archeology and History), it's well worth a visit. And the small plaza/garden opposite is simply lovely.