Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
Convent · Teotihuacan, Estado do México
Ex Convento de San Agustín Acolman
16th-century fortified Augustinian convent with a plateresque façade, cloisters and murals, about 10 km from Teotihuacan; it operates as a museum.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Ex Convento de San Agustín Acolman
The former convent of San Agustín in Acolman was built by Augustinian friars between 1539 and 1580, following the convent-fortress model used in the evangelization of New Spain. The high walls and battlements give the complex the appearance of a castle.
The church façade is one of the best examples of the plateresque style in Mexico, with columns, friezes and carved saint figures in stone. High on the side wall is the open chapel, from which the friars celebrated mass for the Indigenous people gathered in the atrium.
Inside, the convent has two cloisters, the larger with Isabeline-style columns, and 16th-century murals in black and gray tones depicting scenes from the life of Christ and figures of Augustinian friars. Since 1921 the complex has operated as the Viceroyalty Museum, housing paintings, sculptures and religious objects from the colonial period.
The convent lies on the route between Mexico City and Teotihuacan and fits well into the return leg of a trip to the pyramids. In the atrium there is a 16th-century stone cross.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One hour.
Best time
In the afternoon, on the return from Teotihuacan. Confirm the museum's opening days and hours before you go.
How to get there
In Acolman, about 10 km from Teotihuacan and 40 km from Mexico City, via the México–Pirámides highway. By car or organized tour; local buses pass through the town.
Tip
Notice the open chapel high on the wall to the left of the façade: it served as the altar for outdoor masses.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Ex Convento de San Agustín Acolman
What is the convent of Acolman?
A fortified 16th-century Augustinian convent, with a plateresque façade, cloisters and murals, which operates as a museum of colonial art.
Is Acolman close to Teotihuacan?
Yes, about 10 km, on the route between Mexico City and the archaeological zone.
Why does the Acolman convent look like a fortress?
16th-century convents in New Spain followed the fortress model, with high walls and battlements, which marked the friars' presence in the landscape.