Tlacochahuaya

Thats right Tlacochahuaya. I dare you to pronounce it!

My 3rd and final stop on my second day in Oaxaca was Tlacochahuaya. This 16th century Church was constructed by indigenous people and decorated by the Spaniards. inside the Church is a mixture of catholic symbolism and natural elements. The Spanish thought that the indigenous people would accept the new religion if the church included natural imagery.

Sorry no flash in the church so my pics are very dark.

This church was very cool and kinda creepy. Upstairs was this elaborate 16th century pipe organ that was brought over from Spain and carried to Oaxaca on donkeys.

Upstairs there was also this strange door to nowhere

And by upstairs I mean, up the coolest, creepiest, steepest stairwell ever!

This is still an active Church that was all done up for Christmas, It was quite strange to be in such a historic in interesting place, and have it decorated with cardboard precious moments angels.

I didnt get alot of photos inside but i did get this very interesting statue of Jesus.

It also had a 400 year old sun dial that kept perfect time!
This big stump was once used to tie up criminals and leave them outside till the died.

It was a really amazing place!
On our way out of town we got a big bonus. Our van had to stop to let a heard of animal cross the road.