Mexico - Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatepetl

"The Franciscan Ensemble of the Monastery and Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is part of the first construction programme launched 1524 for the evangelization and colonization of the northern territories of Mexico. The ensemble is one of the first five monasteries established by Franciscan, Dominican and Augustinian friars, and one of three still standing. The other two are already inscribed on the World Heritage List. The Tlaxcala ensemble of buildings provides an example of the architectural model and spatial solutions developed in response to a new cultural context, which integrated local elements to create spaces such as wide atria, and capilla posa chapels. The edifice presents two other particular features, a free-standing tower and a wooden mudéjar not found in the other monasteries already inscribed on the World Heritage List as part of the serial property. It contributes to a better understanding of the development of a new architectural model that influenced both urban development and monastic buildings until the 18th century.

These 14 monasteries stand on the slopes of Popocatepetl, to the south-east of Mexico City. They are in an excellent state of conservation and are good examples of the architectural style adopted by the first missionaries – Franciscans, Dominicans and Augustinians – who converted the indigenous populations to Christianity in the early 16th century. They also represent an example of a new architectural concept in which open spaces are of renewed importance. The influence of this style is felt throughout the Mexican territory and even beyond its borders." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

There are 11 monasteries in Morelos: San Mateo Apostol in Atlatlahucan,
Asuncion in Cuernavaca (current Cathedral), Santo Domingo de Guzman in Hueyapan,
Santiago Apostol in Ocuituco, Santo Domingo in Oaxtepec, La Natividad or la Anunciaciòn in Tepoztlàn, Santo Domingo de Guzman in Tetela del Volcàn,
San Juan Bautista in Tlayacapan, San Guillermo Abad in Totolapan, San Juan Bautista in Yecapixtla, Immaculada Concepciòn in Zacualpan de Amilpas

There are 3 monasteries in Puebla: San Francisco de Asís in San Andrés Capan,
San Miguel Arcángel in Huejotzingo, Asunción de Nuestra Señora in Tochimilco

Postcard 1

A nice map of Morelos. If you look at the north and north east section of the Morelos map, you can see the locations of Popotepel volcano and five of the 11 monastery towns, namely Cuernavaca, Oaxtepec, Tepoztlàn, Tetela del Volcàn, Tlayacapan. Thanks to Louis of USA who received this postcard from Cuernavaca, Mexico.

Postcard 2

Franciscan Ensemble of the Monastery and Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption of Tlaxcala. It is a  2021 extension of Earliest 16th  Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatepetl. Thanks to Gabino of Mexico. Arrived on April 26, 2022.