The original Parroquia San Miguel Arcángel, built in the late 17th century, was a relatively conventional and modest design. This changed quite dramatically in 1880 when the master stone mason, Zeferino Gutierrez was commissioned to create a new facade. A self-taught architect, Gutierrez was reported to have taken the inspiration for his design from drawings, engravings and postcards of European cathedrals. The resulting neogothic fantasy, whose soaring turrets can be viewed from almost any spot in town, have made this parrish one of the most photographed churches in Mexico.

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