Santuario de la Virgen de Ocotlán

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One of Mexico’s most spectacular churches is an important pilgrimage site for those who believe the Virgin appeared here in 1541 – her image stands on the main altar in memory of the apparition. The classic Churrigueresque facade features white-stucco ‘wedding cake’ decorations contrasting with plain red tiles. During the 18th century, indigenous artist Francisco Miguel spent 25 years decorating the altarpieces and the chapel beside the main altar.

The effigy is the central figure in Tlaxcala's most famous festival, the Bajada de la Virgen de Ocotlán. Visible from most of the town, the hilltop church is 1km northeast of the zócalo. Walk north from the zócalo on Avenida Juárez/Avenida Independencia for three blocks then turn right onto Zitlalpopocatl. Alternatively, ‘Ocotlán’ colectivos travel along this same route. Sunday is the most popular day to visit apart from the festival of Bajada de la Virgen de Ocotlán.

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Nearby East of Mexico City attractions

1. Palacio de Gobierno

0.61 MILES

Inside the Palacio de Gobierno there are color-rich murals of Tlaxcala's history by Desiderio Hernández Xochitiotzin. His style is vividly realistic and…

2. Palacio Municipal

0.64 MILES

The 16th-century Palacio Municipal, a former grain storehouse, occupies the north side of the zócalo.

3. Zócalo

0.65 MILES

It’s easy to pass an afternoon reading or just people-watching in Tlaxcala’s shady, spacious zócalo. The 16th-century Palacio Municipal, a former grain…

4. Ex-Convento Franciscano de la Asunción

0.68 MILES

Built between 1537 and 1540, this was one of Mexico’s earliest monasteries and its church – the city’s cathedral – has a beautiful Moorish-style wooden…

5. Museo Regional de Tlaxcala

0.68 MILES

The Museo Regional de Tlaxcala has a large collection of religious paintings and a few pre-Hispanic sculptures and artifacts.

6. Palacio de Justicia

0.69 MILES

The 16th-century building on the plaza's northwest side is the Palacio de Justicia, the former Capilla Real de Indios, built for the use of indigenous…

7. Parroquia de San José

0.69 MILES

Off the northwest corner of the zócalo is the orange-stucco and blue-tile Parroquia de San José, ringed with fountains. As elsewhere in the centro…

8. Museo de Arte de Tlaxcala

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