A 16th century church: San José Paxtepec, Coacoatzintla, Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract

Today, San José Paxtepec refers to a small community in the Sierra de Chiconquiaco, near the capital of the State of Veracruz, Mexico. It does, however, have a church erected by the Franciscan Order in the first years after their arrival in New Spain. Historical archeology has allowed the study of this construction, simple in its structure, important in terms of the
indigenous representation, for example, the east-west orientation, the use of indigenous elements in the carving of the main door, in the square with a small fence that forms, together with its atrial cross, the old "Teaching Courtyard". This construction draws attention because it does not have military characteristics as do the churches and convents of the altiplano, for example, Huexotzingo, in the State of Puebla; It represents, however, an "advanced" point in the spiritual conquest of the Sierra de Chiconquiaco, which will only stop with other constructions, some superb such as Santa María de la Asunción Misantla.