Sacred Art Gallery in Conkal: Yucatan's History & Legends

The ancient convent of San Francisco de Asís in Conkal is over 400 years old, and the ceiba tree guarding it is 300... can you imagine the number of stories that have unfolded over this time? Don’t waste a minute, and don’t let the idea that sacred art is boring hold you back; this gallery has something truly special. The stories you will find here will surprise you, and you’ll leave wanting to know more. After all, as one of my teachers used to say, "history is humanity's best gossip." Whether you are a believer, religious, devout, agnostic, or atheist, you won’t be able to help but recognize that this art is a part of our history and, without a doubt, Yucatan's.

Located just 15 kilometers from the city of Mérida, the gallery is housed within what was once the San Francisco de Asís convent, a masterpiece of Franciscan architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries. Originally conceived as a museum in 2001, it was reopened as a gallery in 2016 thanks to the efforts of Father Ricardo López and Don Óscar Amaya Sosa—the passionate custodian and guide (and believe me, that adjective falls short) of this place, who is precisely the one who gives voice to all these stories.

Great Stories, Great Discoveries

In an effort to fill the seven rooms that the gallery boasts today, a relentless search was undertaken through all the old churches of Yucatan, resulting in countless objects, some discarded and others long forgotten.

One example is what was recovered from the storage room of the Nuestra Señora del Carmen church in La Mejorada: a large wooden box donated to the gallery with no clue as to its contents. The box was locked, and no one knew the whereabouts of the key. Confident in the importance of the objects inside, they searched through hundreds of old keys looking for one that might open it. Having no luck, they decided to call a locksmith. After failing, he recommended another locksmith who specialised in antique keys, who meticulously crafted one that finally opened the box. The long process paid off: inside the box, they found one of the first catechisms used to evangelise the Maya—a kind of beautifully illustrated flip chart whose container serves as a complete shield, mount, and display case for this unique piece.

Another great discovery came from transferring documents and objects from the Mérida Cathedral to form what is now the Historical Archive of the Archdiocese of Yucatan, also located in the convent. Stored inside a leather box was a moldy booklet which, after being restored by the INAH, turned out to be the original version of the papal bull (a decree issued by the Pope) in which Pope Pius X named the Archdiocese of Yucatán. The document bears the seal with the Pope's name and, on the back, those of the evangelists Peter and Paul. It is also signed by him, offering his zucchetto (the silk skullcap popes wear) and some relics. This and other unique objects are accompanied by a brief but highly interesting timeline of the history of the Archbishopric of Yucatan.

And it doesn’t stop there: Have you ever wondered why Saint Anthony of Padua is the patron saint for those who want to get married or find a boyfriend? (And by the way, if you need to pray to him, the Gallery has quite an unusual one). How much do you know about the Virgin of Izamal and the Christ of the Blisters (Cristo de las Ampollas), the most important icons of the Catholic religion in Yucatan? Do you know why the original altarpiece of the Mérida Cathedral was torn down and destroyed? Don Óscar will gladly tell you all this and more. Get ready to see the effigy of the Sacred Heart of Mary, the altarpiece room, and the crown of the Virgin of Guadalupe, as well as the room that reserved the Blessed Sacrament while the Franciscans inhabited the place, and the Christ that now dwells in it: its hair is natural, and many claim it grows!

As your tour nears its end, you’ll feel it’s impossible to hear a more incredible story, but wait until you hear the last one about the skeletal remains on display at the end of the gallery.

Prepare yourself for an unparalleled experience and don’t forget to request the guide service (available only in Spanish) or attend their newly launched night tours (prior reservation required) for a different kind of adventure. Believe it or not, both adults and children will greatly enjoy this tour and all the fascinating stories told here. Plus, it will give you some insights for when you visit any of the hundreds of churches and parishes found throughout Yucatan—central places in our state’s history.

Galería de Arte Sacro

Calle 20 #14 x 21 y 19, Centro de Conkal

Night tours: Check dates on social media

Entrance: $30 pesos

Tel. 999 912 4049

FB: Galería de Arte Sacro de la Arquidiócesis de Yucatán  

First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 429, in September 2023.

Photography by MKCT for use in Yucatán Today.