Museo Nacional del Virreinato
Central-North Mexico Region
The Museo Nacional del Virreinato is housed in the former College of San Francisco Javier in Tepotzotlán, Mexico State. Originally built by the Jesuits in the 1580s, the complex served as a prestigious educational center in New Spain, comprising a college, dormitories, a library, and two churches: San Francisco Javier and San Pedro Apostol. The museum showcases a vast collection of colonial art and everyday objects from the Viceroyalty period, with the Church of San Francisco Javier featuring one of Mexico's most important Churrigueresque altarpiece collections. The complex reflects the Jesuits' role in education and evangelization, including schools for indigenous languages and native boys. Despite various historical upheavals, including Jesuit expulsion and revolutionary turmoil, the complex remains remarkably intact and is a national monument. Today, it offers visitors insight into colonial religious art, Jesuit education, and Mexico's colonial history.
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Tipp: Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the museum's rich collections. Advance ticket purchase is recommended, especially during holidays. Discounts may be available for students and seniors. Note that the Church of San Pedro Apostol remains active for religious services, so check visiting hours accordingly.
Interessante Fakten
- •The museum houses one of the most important collections of Churrigueresque altarpieces in Mexico.
- •The complex includes three sections: the former college, the Church of San Francisco Javier, and the Church of San Pedro Apostol, the latter still active for religious purposes.
- •The Jesuits founded three centers of learning here: a school for indigenous languages, a school for native boys, and the College of San Francisco Javier for Jesuit priest training.
- •The site was considered for use as a prison in the 19th century but was never converted due to local opposition.
- •During the Mexican Revolution, the complex was occupied and sacked by soldiers, and the Jesuits abandoned it permanently in 1914.
Geschichte
The complex was established by Jesuits in the 1580s as an educational center for priest training and indigenous education.
It expanded throughout the 17th century, with the Church of San Francisco Javier constructed starting in 1670.
In 1767, the Jesuits were expelled from Spanish territories, and the property was repurposed for secular clergy training and retirement.
Despite attempts to use the site as a prison in the 19th century, local opposition prevented this.
The Jesuits never fully regained control, and the complex was declared a national monument in 1933.
It survived damage during the Mexican Revolution and remains one of Mexico's best-preserved colonial complexes.
OrtsfĂĽhrer
College of San Francisco Javier1580s
The original Jesuit college area includes dormitories, a library, a kitchen, and a domestic chapel. It now houses a large collection of colonial-era art and everyday objects, illustrating life and education in New Spain.
Church of San Francisco Javier1670s
Built beginning in 1670, this church is renowned for its elaborate Churrigueresque altarpieces, considered among the finest in Mexico. It forms part of the museum and is a highlight for visitors interested in colonial religious art.
Church of San Pedro Apostol
The only part of the complex still used for religious purposes, this church remains active and separate from the museum. It reflects the site's ongoing spiritual significance.
