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The greatness of Oaxaca is not only in the capitol. The neighboring
villages also have rich Archeological Sites, architecture from Colonial
times and the Porfiriato, Community Museums and handcrafts.
Here you have several routes:
Santo Domingo Yanhuitlán
On highway 190, at 119 km is this beautiful place which can also
be reached via the Super Highway, through Nochixtlán.
The name means New town in Nahuatl,
although it was formerly called Yosocahui,
which means The new plain.
The church and ex convent of Santo Domingo were second in importance
for the Dominicans in Oaxaca. In fact, it boasted the permanent
headquarters of the Mixtec clergy. Today, it is one of the best
examples of 16th century New Hispanic architecture.
The buildings were erected over a huge prehispanic platform and
some changes were made as late as the 18th century. However, the
original paintings and sculptures are still present of which the
main, 16th century, altarpiece by painter from Sevilla, Andrés de
la Concha is noteworthy.
San Pedro y San Pablo Teposcolula
It is located 23 klometers from Santo Domingo Yanhuitlán towards
Tlaxiaco, on highway 190.
The Dominicans settled here in 1541, beginning, shortly after, these
outstanding religious buildings.
There is a magnificent open chapel, which is one of the most outstanding
works of 16th century New Spain. This chapel has two choirs, one
for singers and the other for musicians. At that time, the chapel
was decorated with an altarpiece made by painters Andrés de la Concha
and Andés Pereyns. Some pieces are still in the interior.
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San Juan Bautista Coixtlahuaca
2 kilometers from the junction on the Super Highway are the San
Juan Bautista church and ex convent.
This beautiful Dominican complex was finished in 1576.
The church, cloister, open chapel and atrium make up one of the
most intriguing examples of 16th century New Hispanic style.
Its decoration, primarily exterior, still has original features,
along with magnificent sculptures.
The group of John the Baptist, guarded by Saint Peter and the apostle
James, stands out.
A set of shell-shape niches, big rose windows, medallions and symbols
of the Passion are also worth looking out for.
The altarpiece is churrigueresque and was made in the 17th century,
using parts of the original 17th century altarpiece.
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