Temple of Saint James the Apostle (Capula)

Located in the Dolores neighborhood, this church is a living testament to the legacy of Don Vasco de Quiroga in Capula. Quiroga, who assigned the inhabitants the pottery and woodworking industry, les entregó a Saint James the Apostle as patron of the community.

History and Architecture

Built in the 16th century in a sober colonial style, the church is a place of great cultural importance. Its structure reflects the Spanish influence in the region. A fascinating detail of its façade is the medallions that decorate the portal, which apparently represent the founding saints of the various religious orders that arrived in Michoacán: Franciscans, Augustinians, Jesuits, and Dominicans. The current tower was a later addition, erected at the end of the 19th century.

Inner Treasures

The interior of the temple is majestic and serene, with beautiful altars, religious paintings, and a well-preserved sacristy. One of the most remarkable elements is a Christ figure found in the church, which, when discovered during excavations, displays indigenous features—a powerful symbol of the region's cultural syncretism.

• Patron Saint and Feast: Every July 25th, the town comes together to celebrate with great devotion its patron saint, Saint James the Apostle.

• Key Fact: Visiting this temple allows one to understand how the legacy of Vasco de Quiroga linked the Christian faith with the productive development of the Purépecha Plateau.