World Heritage Identification Number: 1079
World Heritage since: 2003
Category: Cultural Heritage
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇲🇽 Mexico
Continent: Americas
UNESCO World Region: Latin America and the Caribbean
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A Journey Through Time: The Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro
The Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro, nestled within the rugged landscapes of central Mexico, offer a captivating glimpse into the past. These five missions, constructed between 1750 and 1760, stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of the indigenous people and the tireless efforts of the Franciscan missionaries. In 2003, these missions were recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, acknowledging their significant cultural, historical, and architectural value.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
The five Franciscan missions of Sierra Gorda were built during the last phase of the conversion to Christianity of the interior of Mexico in the mid-18th century and became an important reference for the continuation of the evangelization of California, Arizona and Texas. The richly decorated church façades are of special interest as they represent an example of the joint creative efforts of the missionaries and the Indios. The rural settlements that grew around the missions have retained their vernacular character.
UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site
Criterion ii: The Sierra Gorda Missions exhibit an important interchange of values in the process of evangelisation of central and northern Mexico, and the western United States. Criterion iii: The five Sierra Gorda missions bear witness to the cultural encounter of the European missions with the nomadic populations of central Mexico, remaining a significant testimony to this second phase of evangelisation in North America.
Encyclopedia Record: Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro
The Franciscan missions of the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro are five missions built in Mexico between 1750 and 1760. The foundation of the missions is attributed to Junípero Serra, who also founded the most important missions in California. They were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003.Additional Site Details
Area: 103.7 hectares
(iii) — Unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition
Coordinates: 21.20438889 , -99.46411111
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