Tuesday, March 20, 2012

The Mission Church Of San Ignacio De Loyola In Baja California Sur



One of the more interesting towns in Baja California Sur
 is the date palm oasis of San Ignacio,
which lies near the center of Baja both north-south and east-west.

Because it is on neither the Pacific or the Sea of Cortez,
 it has missed some of the tourist development that has centered along the coasts.

The springs that provide the water in this small valley 
have created a lush environment in the midst of a harsh desert,
and an obvious place to locate a mission.


And the most prominent building in town is 

Started in 1728 by the Jesuits,
 the church was completed in 1786 by the Dominican Order
 with the work being done by the native inhabitants of the area.


This was the frontier of the day
 and one of the last areas of Mexico to be "colonized" by the Spanish
 and their religious orders.


But the result is truly a monument, 
impressive in the quality of building...


...and still here to serve the community.


I was particularly attracted to this stone detail...


...which reminds me of Hercules holding up the world,
not exactly a Roman Catholic symbol;
nor was it probably intended.


And inside...


...the detail is impressive.


Above is the transept... 


...and looking above, even the "heavens" are impressive.


And back towards the front.

We will continue with more on the mission
 and San Ignacio, Baja California Sur in the upcoming posts.

The next post is: 
then we will look at

To see more of the area go to LABELS on the right side bar 
and click on Building In Baja California Sur.