Plaza Juarez

Actopan's oldest church was established as an Augustinian monastery, built between 1550-1570. The church has some remarkable 16th century religious artwork inside but is most noted for a unique outdoor chapel decorated with murals painted by indigenous artists in the 1550s. These murals have degraded significantly in the intervening centuries but are remarkable in the way they fuse indigenous Mexica elements with the newly enforced Christian themes being proselytized by the Spanish. The convent too has some remarkable artwork done by European artists featuring elaborate patterns and interpreting biblical passages in more Euro-centric ways. Inside the high cloister of the ex-convent is the Museum of Religious Arts which showcases mostly art from the 19th century with some fascinating exhibits on religious symbology. The collection includes a large number of sculptures, paintings and other religious artifacts. The museum is open 09:00 - 17:00, except Monday, when it is closed.