The artistic treasures of San Rafael Church

Published June 28, 2023

by Natalie Taylor

The church of San Rafael, also called la Santa Escuela (the Holy School), is the oldest religious building within the historical center of San Miguel de Allende. In 1542 Juan Fray de San Miguel arrived in the region and founded a mission. It was some five kilometers from the city’s current center, near the Laja River, in what is called San Miguel Viejo. The first community consisted of a small chapel, and a school, and was surrounded by dwellings the natives had built. A few years later, following attacks by warring tribes, the mission was moved to the area of El Chorro. Then finally, in 1551, when the viceroy designated the community as a town of Spaniards, and provided military support, it was moved to the present location. The church of San Rafael was built in 1564 and was named Templo de la fundacion—Foundation Church. Until the current Parroquia was constructed in the 17th century, San Rafael functioned as the parish church, and came to be known as la vieja parroquia—the old parish.

For someone who loves history, it is a pleasure to find and visit any ancient building—particularly one that holds precious art objects. I had the honor to walk about inside the church of San Rafael with photographer Jack Paulus. With the permission of Father Armando Flores, the new parish priest, we were allowed to see and photograph not only the objects within the church, but also hidden treasures behind locked doors.

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