Introduction

For well over two centuries the Sanctuary of Atotonilco has stood in Mexico as a titular place of worship. It is estimated that 5,000 people visit this establishment each week to repent and show their devotion. Nicknamed the Sistine Chapel of Mexico this church possesses expansive architecture with intricate artwork emblazoned on the walls and ceilings. The trip to Atotonilco is through rural Mexico and one made by many, which is why it is certainly worth featuring in this edition of Sparked Travel Pilgrimages. Sundays fill this quiet Mexican town with life as the main street fills with vendors and pilgrims. The events at Atotonilco are truly a spectacle and will surely provide perspective to Sparked Travelers.

Worshippers open Holy Week by marching their beloved statue, The Lord of the Column from Atotonilco to nearby San Miguel de Allende. This six hour ritual commemorates a miracle that took place here almost 200 years ago. This tradition stems from when a terrible epidemic struck the area and a wealthy merchant became severely ill. While on his death-bed, he requested that a religious artifact be brought to him to comfort him as he passed into the next life. The villagers decided on the Lord of the Column and the group walked to San Miguel de Allende to deliver as requested. Miraculously, the merchant recovered and the sickness stopped its spread. The area was saved and the people continued this tradition annually in remembrance and to give their thanks. Now that we know a little more about the Sanctuary of Atotonilco let’s talk about how to get there. 

San Miguel de Allende

Our first stop is the larger town outside of Atotonilco which is worth some exploration itself and has ties to Atotonilco such as the story told before. Getting to San Miguel is fairly straightforward. If you are coming from Mexico City there is a four hour bus ride that will take you all the way there. If you prefer flying, the nearest airport is the Guanajuato International Airport. From the airport, it is about an hour and a half drive to San Miguel de Allende. For more details and more options, check out this post here. 

The vibrant colors along with the uniquely Mexican architecture of the city make San Miguel a perfect location to spend a day before heading onwards to our pilgrimage. The Parish of San Miguel Arcangel is a landmark that is hard to miss and an integral part of the city. Right across from the church grounds is the city square which is a lively spot to hang out and watch the day unfold. For more on San Miguel de Allende check out this post from Planet Ware.

Atotonilco

If you aren’t renting a car, the bus from San Miguel de Allende is the best option for getting to Atotonilco and there is also a returning bus. The trip is around 30 minutes and only costs about 13 Mexican Pesos. For more details on transportation visit here. 

As you arrive, you will notice the outer structure of the sanctuary is quite modest, making you wonder as to why it has been compared to the grand Sistine Chapel. These questions will quickly fade as you begin to walk the inner workings. The ceilings, walls, and columns of the building are filled with ornate paintings dedicated to christianity and its stories. The paintings set a more serious tone with much of the art depicting some of the darker and violent tellings of the bible. Throughout the sanctuary you may notice many devout pilgrims on their hands and knees accepting the suffering in their savior’s name. This UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage site is certainly one to put on your map.