The Missions of the Sierra Gorda In eastern valleys of the Sierra Gorda of the central Mexican state of Queretaro are five remarkable missions, especially noted for their highly decorative façades. The missions are the work of native people under the direction of Franciscan missionaries led by Fray Junipero Serra, who would later found the Missions of California. In 2003, the Missions of the Sierra Gorda were named as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The Mission at Tancoyol The most remote of missions, Nuestra Señora de Luz in the village of Tancoyol, which lies in a valley at the end of a lightly traveled road winding through a ravine. The mission was built from 1760-1766. The atrium and its posas (corner chapels) are decorated with Turk's head pinnacles. To view my website with information on traveling to and within Mexico, visit Larpman's Guide to Mexico.

There are also galleries of the other four missions. Click on the names to view.
• Mission at Jalpan • Mission at Landa • Mission at Tilaco • Mission at Concá •

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