The Huatápera

⛪ History, Legend and Encounter in Santa Clara del Cobre

As you walk through the main square of Santa Clara del Cobre, your gaze will inevitably be drawn to a building that breathes history: The Huatápera 🏛️. Located next to the temple of the Immaculate ConceptionThis old chapel is not just a colonial building; it is a silent witness to the transformation of this Magical Town ✨.

🤝 A place for meeting More than just a chapel, you are standing before what was once the heart of Hospital of Indians, founded in the 16th century (around 1533) by the order of Friar Juan de San Miguel under the humanist vision of Don Vasco de Quiroga 📜.

Its name, which comes from Purépecha Uandajperakua, it means “meeting place” or “place to arrive at.” Upon crossing its threshold, you relive that original purpose: a space of refuge, faith, and community that has endured for almost 500 years 🕯️.

📸 Your visit: Hoy, la Huatápera se mantiene sobria y pintoresca, conservando ese aire espiritual y virreinal que te transporta al pasado. Es una parada obligada en tu recorrido por el centro 📍; un eslabón vivo que une la tradición artesanal del cobre 🔨 con la riqueza inmaterial de sus leyendas.

🌟 Our Recommendation:

To fully experience it, we suggest visiting the Huatápera at sunset 🌅. The golden afternoon light highlights the texture of the ancient stone and creates the perfect atmosphere for your photos 📸.

Expert tip: No pases de prisa. Compra una tradicional torta de tostada (toast sandwich) (the typical snack of Santa Clara) in the arcades of the plaza, find a bench in front of the chapel and take a few minutes. If you have the book of Pito Pérez Grab a copy (or your phone) and read a couple of paragraphs right there. You'll feel like the character is speaking to you from the bell tower! 📖🔔