IGLESIA DE SANTO TOMÁS

Built in 1540 on a pre-Hispanic mound, this impressive, pristine white building overlooks the market and houses classical colonial pieces and altarpieces dating from the 17th century. An ideal place to observe religious syncretism, the church has a small staircase with 18 steps representing each month of the Mayan calendar. Moreover, it is in its Dominican monastery, next to the parish, that the oldest version of the Popol Vuh, a kind of Bible of this civilization, was found.

The façade is decorated with four Doric columns and pierced by three small skylights that let a ray of light into the interior. There, enthroned almost in place of Christ, Santo Tomás is the object of a veneration that is feverishly manifested every day through rites far from those of the Catholic Church, both inside and outside the building.

On Thursdays and Sundays, when Chichicastenango is in full swing, it is particularly impressive to walk through the maze of stands that lead to the monument. Still immersed in the atmosphere of the market, the visitor finds himself in front of another crowd, this time of devotees, who devote themselves to prayers and offerings, with the help of flowers, incense and drum beats. This scene alone is worth a visit to the city.

Although entry to the church is not forbidden to tourists, the utmost respect should be shown. For example, please note that photos and videos are not allowed.