Iglesia de San Miguel - The Archangel Who Hid
A stop on Cozumel: San Miguel and the Island, a free self-guided tour.
The town and this church share a name with the island's patron saint, Michael the Archangel. When families fleeing the Caste War on the Yucatan mainland resettled the empty island in 1848, they built a new town here, and in 1849 the state authorities approved its founding as San Miguel.
The church you see is younger than the town. Construction began in 1945, and the plaque outside gives the date it was consecrated: February 14, 1947.
The statue of San Miguel inside has a story of its own. Local historians say the figure dates to 1915, when it was rescued from burning as a military force arrived to plunder the island. It was hidden away for nearly 30 years before it found a home at the center of this church.
This is a working parish, so dress modestly and keep your voice low if a Mass is under way. Look for the archangel above the altar.
Getting here: From the plaza, walk two blocks east, away from the water, on Avenida Benito Juarez. The church is on your right.
Did you know?: Cozumel claims an older church first: islanders say that a priest with the Spanish expedition of 1518 held the first documented Mass on Mexican soil here, in May of that year.
Photo op: Cross to the opposite side of Avenida Juarez and frame the full facade and bell tower from the sidewalk.
More on Wikipedia: San Miguel de Cozumel · Michael · Caste War of Yucatan
Stops on this tour
- Plaza del Sol - Where the Island Says Hello
- Iglesia de San Miguel - The Archangel Who Hid
- Museo de la Isla - The Island in One Building
- San Gervasio - Pilgrims of the Moon Goddess
- Punta Morena - Where the Island Turns Wild
- Chen Rio - A Pool the Rocks Built
- El Mirador - An Arch in the Surf
- Punta Sur - Lighthouse at the End of the Island
- El Cedral - The Village of the Vow
- Chankanaab - The Little Sea and the Reef
- San Miguel Waterfront - Sunset Over the Channel