圣托马斯教堂

tworns

Take your time when visiting this church and see the fusion of the Mayan culture and Catholic religion. Take everything in and observe the men, women, kids, the priest(s), religious symbols, all the sights, the smell and even the music....Highly recommended church in "Chi-chi".

53Shadrach

We visited the church in conjunction with our visit to the market. The steps were crowded with flower sellers - very colorful. The interior of the church was quite dark. We were sorry to see the art work on the walls so covered with smoke from centuries of candles that they were difficult to see clearly. The church is interesting in that it caters to both the Catholic and the Mayan religious beliefs and practices.

PrawetJ

The Santo Tomas Church is right in the market. You cannot miss it when entering the Chichi market. I visited Chichi market on Christmas day so I had a chance to attend a mass. I am not a Christian nor a Mayan worshiper but I enjoyed the mas because of the ritual. I also spent sometime reading the history and development of the church at my leisure time because I did not travel with a tour guide. The white building is prominently situated in the market. It is worth looking in side to get away from the busy market and some of the Mayan ritual at the steps of the church.

WantToSeeItAll

This place and the front steps was packed with worshipers the day we were there, performing rituals, and processions, burning, throwing firecrackers, burning incense, from an anthropological point of view, fascinating, I loved it.

johnfred4

Interesting church in that it caters for both Mayan and Roman Catholic faiths. Adjoining quiet cloister area, surprising because the area was packed with people celebrating a Saint's day. Firecrackers on the church steps. An amazing noisy crowded atmosphere.

leona73

Of course an absolute must see when in Chichi! This church honours both the Mayan and Catholic religions. The pews are for catholic woshppers and down the centre of the church is for the Mayan worshippers. The walls are bowed due to the several earthquakes. You may be asked for spare change from a few of the older members of the community that frequent the church, just have a bit of change on the ready. Take a guide to get the full explanation of the church's history and uses.

WorldTvlerParker_CO

ALthough not a fan of the Chichi market, this church is very picturesque with all the flower vendors on its' steps. Both the Mayans and the Catholics worship here, and it was lovely to witness the Mayan customs within the church (though no photos allowed). Our guide said that they both worships the same God now, and they are peaceful together even though the worship methods are different. The Mayans were kneeling their way towards the altar and when they return, they cannot turn their backs... candles and flower offerings on small elevated areas in the center aisle. Was definitely worth a visit!!

Eileen193

Terrific scene of colour and activity in front of the church contrasted with the spiritual feel of the inside of this building. Although an RC church it allows Mayan spirituality to thrive alongside it. In addition to the normal church interior features there were platforms in the centre of the aisle where Mayan spiritual leaders were performing their own ceremonies. It was very busy when we went on a Sunday chiefly to see the market and some tourists were not being sufficiently respectful. I found it uplifting that earlier cultures are again being allowed to follow their paths after centuries of being oppressed.

metoread2

The huge steps filled with flower vendors is quite a sight for the market weary. On a Sunday morning, there is often a Mayan Nass going on inside. Altar very simple, but congregational seats plentiful.

Tweetcoz

We went up the stairs and saw 2 locals perform a Mayan ritual outside the church. It looked like a smudging ritual as they chanted. Beautiful scent. A service was also in session so we stayed a little and observed this.A simple church but quaint. Only 1-2 mins walk from Mayan inn hotel. From the church, we could see the other smaller church and the village.

Bunmaster2014

This church was originally built circa 1545 AD on a precolumbian temple platform. Its Mayan influence is readily evident from the 18 steps, one for every month of the Mayan calendar. It's now a Roman Catholic church, located in the market place. Interesting but not spectacular.

PeterSilvainMooij

lovely church in this mountain village,stange way and history of lighting the candles on the church floor

JOSEG525

Amazing atmosphere. Church was full on Sunday (market day). The service is held in both Mayan and Spanish.

Sethmanand54

This is a stark contrast to the colorful market outside. There are concrete platforms in the isles where sacrifices and offerings are made by the Mayan priests. For me it was a very disturbing place that tries to combine the Catholic Church with ritualistic sacrifices, not two that go together. It is a worthwhile place to visit to see if you have never seen a stark contrast of a flourishing church and true oppression.

HappyCanadian13

Quite the contrast between the madness outside (especially during the Sunday market) and inside the church. Be respectful but do take the time to visit.