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| Colonial Churches & Maya Missions |
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There is no doubt that when one thinks of the Yucatán, what first comes to mind are the grand ceremonial centers, monumental sculpture and sweeping architecture of the Maya people.
But there is also a more modest architectural record throughout the Yucatán: Colonial churches that are the product of a vast network of missions the Spanish built. Once the Vatican pronounced the indigenous peoples of the New World to be human beings, there were tremendous conflicts between secular and religious authorities. Whereas in the English colonies, slavery was the “peculiar institution” that characterized society, in New Spain, religious authorities resisted all attempts by secular and private interests to deprive the Maya of their human dignity.
As with all human interactions, not all efforts succeeded, but the history of each colonial mission is unique, and tells a compelling narrative. The Yucatán’s missions set the standard for other similar networks, most notably the Spanish Missions of California two centuries later. For those who want to explore the colonial-era religious missions, there are several options for intriguing tours.
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| Richard and Rosalind Perry are the authors of the definitive books on the colonial churches of the Yucatán. Their book, Maya Missions, includes six itineraries or mission routes that explore the Spanish colonial buildings of the Yucatán peninsula. They also lead private tours that consistently are rated excellent by participants. Contact them by clicking on the image to the left to see if you can join them on their next go-around.
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| The Smithsonian Magazine conducts several tours of colonial cities of Mexico, including one, “Colonial Heritage by the Sea,” that encompasses Merida, Campeche and Veracruz. To contact them, please click on the image to the left.
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| Another option is to look through the Perrys’ itineraries, select a few choice colonial churches and missions you and your party would like to see, and have Ecoturismo Yucatan price an individualized tour. They are renowned for their willingness to create custom itineraries at reasonable rates. You can contact them by clicking on the image to the left.
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