HISTORICAL
ARCHITECTURE
The Jesuit missions built in the 17th and 18th
centuries played an important role in the development of the Raramuri
communities, which still exist today.
Because there are many missions and
they are fairly spread out, the state government offers guided tours.
Mision Jesuita Santo Cinco Señores de Cusarare - Located in the
central zone of the Parque Natural Barrancas del Cobre, 22 km
(14 mi) from Creel, off
the Guachochi Highway. This is
one of the
region?s oldest missions and an
important site where many Tarahumara
celebrations take place. The original architecture of the church
has been kept intact and the
interior is adorned with Raramuri paintings.
Mision de San Ignacio Arareko
? Located in the northern part of the Parque Natural Barrancas del Cobre, in the
middle of the San Ignacio Arareko commons, 5 km (3 mi) south of Creel. Built from a limestone base, this church has an austere
design, similar to the other missions.
Here you can also see many
objects used by the Tarahumaras for Holy Week
celebrations.
Escultura de Cristo
Rey ? Located on the corner of Av. Gran Vision
and Cristo Rey, in the town of Creel. This white stone
statue, which stands on top
of a hill, is 8 meters (26 feet)
tall. To reach the statue
you?ll have to ascend the
500-meter (1,650-foot) hillside
and a stairway. At the top
you?ll get an excellent panoramic
view of the
town.
