San Cristóbal de las Casas is stunningly located in the fertile Chiapas highlands 2110m above sea level with mountains to the east and west. The city is a charming blend of colonial architecture and indigenous culture. The indigenous population today is an important part of San Cristóbal’s atmosphere, many of them earning a living by selling handicrafts in the town’s markets or hawking their goods through the streets and as Gregg stands head and shoulders above everyone else he may as well have ‘TOURIST’ tattooed on his forehead and they seem to make a bee-line for him. Due to its altitude San Cristóbal has a pleasantly mild climate – let’s be honest about this it was positively chilly in the evening and Gregg went from shorts back into long trousers, that shows how cold it was. But only for one day.
The main plaza has the neoclassical Palacio Muicipal and the Catedral de San Cristóbal, built in the 16th century and painted in ochre, brown and white. The Church of Santo Domingo is by far the most dramatic building in the city with an elaborate baroque facade in moulded mortar (yawn, another baroque church). Inside it has, yes you’ve guessed, altarpieces covered in gold leaf and intricate carvings known as churrigueresque, even more elaborate than any of the baroque styles of Europe – aren’t you glad that Gregg watched the Waldemar Januszczak series on the baroque that the BBC broadcast?
Greg's height must explain his pleasantly mild manner. Much needed as he appears to be the prime target for all sorts of street traders and hawkers.
ReplyDeleteI've noticed two themes emerging. Erratic delivery of food and baroque indigestion.