Templo de la Purísima Concepción

Lonely Planet review

This charming parroquia (parish church) is an impressive neoclassical building. The attraction for thousands of Mexican pilgrims is the reputedly miraculous image of St Francis of Assisi on one of the side altars. A cult has grown up around the statue, whose help is sought in solving problems and cleansing sins.

Walk through the door to the left of the altar to find a roomful of retablos, small pictures depicting threatening situations from which St Francis has rescued the victim, with a brief description of the incident - car accidents and medical operations, for example - and some words of gratitude. Retablos have become much sought after by collectors and are very occasionally seen in antique shops. Sadly, most of those on sale have been stolen from churches.