Temple of San Calletano

The church was built by Antonio de Obregón y Alcocer, a miner and one of the owners of La Valenciana. Construction began in 1775 and was completed in 1778, though a few details remained unfinished, including a bell tower with a clock on the right side, which was never completed.

The church, designed in the shape of a Latin cross, was constructed using a pink stone known as 'cantera rosa.' Its façade is intricately carved in the Mexican Baroque style, while the side windows feature Neo-Mudejar arches.(Mudejar is a term derived from the Arabic word مدجّن, which is used to designate Muslims who remained living in territory conquered by Christians.)

Its interior is lavishly adorned, featuring 24-karat gilded altarpieces, intricate carvings, a pulpit inlaid with ivory and precious woods, and large 19th-century paintings. Among the figures it houses is that of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino.

Additionally, this church was built atop a silver mine, serving not only as a place of worship but also as a resting spot and source of encouragement for the miners. Its construction, deeply intertwined with the mining activity below, reflects the dual purpose of providing spiritual solace and physical respite to those who worked in the mines.

Now let's talk about its visual impact.

This church doesn't have as imposing a façade as the other buildings we've seen, as this one is simple and straightforward. However, it has one of the best views of the city from its garden. One of the recommendations I personally make to visitors is to avoid going during windy seasons, as the currents hit directly and lift a lot of earth. Continuing this exploration, as we pass through its doors, we are greeted by one of the finest ornamentation you'll ever see, with so many details that a new detail appears with each glance.