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Mission · Jalpan de Serra, Querétaro
Misión de Santiago de Jalpan
The first Franciscan mission of the Sierra Gorda, from 1758, with a baroque façade sculpted by indigenous artisans, a World Heritage Site.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Misión de Santiago de Jalpan
The Mission of Santiago de Jalpan was the first of the five Sierra Gorda missions, built between 1751 and 1758 by Franciscans led by friar Junípero Serra, with the work of the Pame indigenous people. The five missions have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003.
The façade, of stone painted ochre, is covered in mortar figures: saints, angels, flowers, fruits, the Virgin of the Pillar and the apostle Santiago, blending Christian symbols with the sierra’s natural motifs. The style is known as mestizo baroque.
Next to the mission, the former barracks houses the Sierra Gorda Historical Museum, with the history of the missions, the peoples of the sierra and friar Junípero, who later founded the California missions.
The mission sits on Jalpan’s main square, shaded with trees, featuring a bandstand and restaurants.
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, including the museum.
Best time
In the morning, with light on the façade, or late afternoon.
How to get there
On the main square of Jalpan de Serra.
Tip
Study the façade carefully: each figure has a meaning, explained in the museum next door.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Misión de Santiago de Jalpan
When was the mission of Jalpan built?
Between 1751 and 1758.
What is in the museum next to the mission?
The history of the missions, of the Pame peoples and of Friar Junípero Serra.
Are the missions of the Sierra Gorda a heritage site?
Yes, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003.