Acolman
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Acolman is a municipality on the outskirts of Greater Mexico City in México State approximately 24 miles (38 kilometres) north-east of the great city.
[edit] San Agustin Acolman
The area is known for San Agustin Acolman, one of Mexico's oldest monasteries, built by Augustinian monks in 1536, on a mission to convert local Indians. The monastery is notable for its atrium, a Christian version of the pre-Columbian ceremonial plaza, where crowds of Indian disciples would gather to hear the new religion preached from the chapel balcony above. The fortress like building, now housing colonial paintings and sculptures is typical of New Spain's early monasteries.
The forbidding aspect of the monastery however is softened by the adjoining church's beautiful Plateresque facade which is characterized by classic Italian Renaissance columns, richly decorated door arches, and a choir window replicating the portal below. The sparse interior of the 57 metre (187 ft) nave is notable only for its apse, which boasts a gothic fan vaulting and is adorned with rich frescoes.
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