Iglesia de Santo Tomás: A Blend of Faiths

The Iglesia de Santo Tomás, dating back to the mid-16th century, is located in the main plaza of Chichicastenango. Constructed by the Spanish atop a pre-existing Maya temple platform around 1545, the church embodies a fascinating blend of Catholic and indigenous Maya traditions. The 18 steps leading up to the church each represent a month in the Mayan calendar, and are still venerated. K'iche' Maya priests continue to use the church for rituals, burning incense and candles. Inside, offerings of corn, flowers, and drinks are common. The church is dedicated to Saint Thomas the Apostle. The building's architecture reflects its colonial-era origins. Inside the church, photography is prohibited. The church is a focal point of Chichicastenango, particularly on Thursdays and Sundays, which are the town's market days. Just a short distance from the church is the Cofradía of Pascual Abaj, an ancient carved stone also venerated by Maya priests, where they perform rituals. According to writings on the stone, it details the doings of a king named Tohil.