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Detail, Oldest church in San Miguel<br> San Miguel de Allende picture - In 1542, the church of San Miguel Viejo was built well outside the present city. It is largely forgotten, and rarely visited. The door to its small interior is locked. A peephole revealed a single candle glowing within. Yet its history and purpose is boldly revealed in its exterior detail. Over it front door, a gathering of angels surround a figure wearing a headband that surely must represent the original parishioners -- a Chichimeca Indian. The Spanish friars built this church to pacify and convert these natives. It didnt work. Nine years after the church was built, these same Indians drove the Spaniards away, and a new church was built in a place where more water was available. The town that rose around it became the present day San Miguel.
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In 1542, the church of San Miguel Viejo was built well outside the present city. It is largely forgotten, and rarely visited. The door to its small interior is locked. A peephole revealed a single candle glowing within. Yet its history and purpose is boldly revealed in its exterior detail. Over it front door, a gathering of angels surround a figure wearing a headband that surely must represent the original parishioners -- a Chichimeca Indian. The Spanish friars built this church to pacify and convert these natives. It didnt work. Nine years after the church was built, these same Indians drove the Spaniards away, and a new church was built in a place where more water was available. The town that rose around it became the present day San Miguel.
North America
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image -- 1000 x 750)