Colonial Church Design and Convent Styles in New Spain
Religious Architecture in 16th Century New Spain
The Atrium and Open Chapels
The atrium, or cemetery, is formed by a plain bounded by crenelated walls and usually features three doors. At the intersection of the axes stands a stone cross dating from 1539. In the four corners of the atrium, posa chapels are located to facilitate processions.
These processions, which stopped at various altars to offer incense and prayers, required specialized chapels. The best examples, noted for their relief work and treble spire ceilings, are found in Calpan and Huejotzingo, Puebla.
Temple Structure and Design
The temple typically consists of a large nave, initially covered with wood and later with barrel vaults. Subsequently, Gothic vaults were introduced, evolving from simple to complex designs. The main entrance is oriented east to west, and a vault (sotocoro) supports the choir above the main door.
Regional Orders and Architectural Styles
The Franciscan order held significant influence in Mexico City, Puebla, Tlaxcala, Morelos, Michoacán, and Yucatán. Dominican convents (found in Morelos, Oaxaca, and Chiapas) are less sumptuous than the Augustinian ones but more elaborate than the Franciscan structures. Some works exhibit eclecticism, allowing for greater stylistic variety.
Augustinian convents (State of Mexico and Morelos) were the most opulent, where Plateresque art flourished. This Spanish Renaissance style focuses on surface decoration around doors and windows. Key characteristics of the Plateresque include:
- Engaged columns
- Human figure sculptures
- Medallions and shields
- Grotesques and chimeras
Despite the limitations imposed by the vow of poverty, royal support allowed for the creation of truly magnificent works.
The Temple Facade and Interior
The facade of the temple, such as in Actopan, presents Romanesque influences, including large flared arches and a profusion of niches between columns. The front wall is typically rectangular or polygonal, exceptionally semicircular. Inside, the wall is covered by a large, carved wooden altarpiece finished in gold, featuring sculpture, oil paintings, and polychrome decorations.
Architectural Heritage
The temple design reflects the transition from Gothic-Elizabethan to Plateresque. From Romanesque and Gothic traditions, these buildings inherited:
- Great vertical height
- Massive walls dominating the openings
- Ribbed vaults and pointed or ogee arches
- Ajimez windows and rosettes
- Buttresses supporting the upper walls