Ex-Templo de San José

Ex-Templo de San José Review

The Jesuits built this fine baroque church in honor of Saint Joseph just before they were booted out of the New World. Its block-long facade and portal are covered with blue-and-yellow Talavera tiles and crowned with seven narrow stone finials—resembling both the roof combs on many Mayan temples and the combs Spanish women once wore in their elaborate hairdos. Next door is the Instituto Campechano, used for cultural events and art exhibitions. These events and exhibits are regularly held here Tuesday evening at 7 pm. At other times you can ask the guard (who should be somewhere on the grounds) to let you in. From the outside you can admire Campeche's first lighthouse, built in 1864, and perched atop the right-hand tower.