San Andrés Xecul Church
The famous yellow west facade of San Andres Xecul Catholic Church.
Photo © Dawn Vukson-Van Beek.
Beach ball dome. Photo © Nick Leonard.
Facade detail. Photo © Dawn Vukson-Van Beek.
Facade detail. Photo © Dawn Vukson-Van Beek.
Facade detail. Photo © Dawn Vukson-Van Beek.
Mayan rituals in San Andres Xecul. Photo © Dawn Vukson-Van Beek.
A small village in the Western Highlands of Guatemala, San Andrés Xecul is home to a brightly-painted Catholic church adorned with a fascinating array of Mayan, Christian and agricultural images.
History
The founding date of the San Andres Xecul Church seems to be unknown, but a cross on the facade bears the dates 1900-01. The year 2008 is painted higher up, presumably referring to a restoration of the paint.
What to See
The Church of San Andres Xecul has an unusual dome painted in colorful stripes like a beach ball, but the highlight is the bright yellow west facade, on which some 200 painted sculptures of human figures, angels, monkeys, fruit, corn, quetzel birds dance in technicolor chaos.
The overall design recalls the huipils worn by local women, and the two jaguars are the top may represent the twin heroes of the Mayan scripture, the Popol Vuh.
Inside the church are dozens of candles, gory images of Christ, and chandeliers made from glass stones, coins and rosary beads.
Despite its Catholic overlay, the village of San Andres Xecul is an important center for traditional Mayan religion. Next to another yellow church, El Calvario, smoke can often be seen rising from outdoor Mayan altars.
Quick Facts
| Site Information | |
| Names: | San Andrés Xecul Church |
| Location: | Guatemala |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Category: | Churches |
| Architecture: | Baroque |
| Date: | unknown |
| Status: | active |
| Visitor Information | |
| Address: | Market Square, San Andrés Xecul, Guatemala |
| Coordinates: | 14.904559° N, 91.482462° W (view on Google Maps) |
| Lodging: | View hotels near this location |
| Opening hours: | Usually open during the day |
| Cost: | Free |
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of San Andrés Xecul Church. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Guatemala Map.
Article Sources
- Iain Stewart, The Rough Guide to Guatemala 4, 188.
- Shelagh McNally, Adventure Guide to Guatemala, 179-80.
Last updated on October 27, 2009.
