Santo Tomás Church | Chichicastenango

Iglesia de Santo Tomás – The Spiritual Heart of Chichicastenango

Iglesia de Santo Tomás (Saint Thomas Church) is a historic 16th-century Catholic church located in the center of Chichicastenango, Guatemala. It is one of the most significant religious and cultural landmarks in the country, famous for its blend of Catholic and indigenous Maya traditions.

Built in 1545 on top of a pre-Hispanic Mayan temple, the church is deeply sacred to both Catholic worshippers and the local K’iche’ Maya people. Today, it serves as a unique symbol of syncretism, where Maya rituals and Catholic ceremonies coexist in a way that can be seen nowhere else in Guatemala.

The History of Santo Tomás Church

• Constructed by Spanish missionaries in the 16th century as part of efforts to convert the indigenous population to Christianity.
• Built on the ruins of a pre-Columbian temple, keeping the original 18 steps leading to its entrance. These steps are believed to represent the 18 months of the Mayan calendar.
• Despite its Catholic origins, the church remains an important site for K’iche’ Maya religious ceremonies, preserving ancient spiritual traditions.

Maya Spiritual Traditions at the Church

Unlike typical Catholic churches, Santo Tomás Church is known for its strong Maya presence, with shamans and local spiritual leaders performing traditional ceremonies both inside and outside the church.

1. The 18 Steps – A Sacred Maya Ritual Site

The 18 stone steps leading up to the church are one of its most iconic features.

• Each step represents a month in the 260-day Maya calendar.
• The steps are frequently used for Maya ceremonies, offerings, and fire rituals.
• It is common to see Maya shamans burning incense, lighting candles, and chanting prayers for blessings, good harvests, or healing.
• Visitors are asked to be respectful and avoid sitting on the steps, as they hold deep spiritual significance.

2. Inside the Church – Catholic and Indigenous Worship

The interior of the church is a blend of Catholic and Maya religious elements.

• The right side of the church is used for Catholic services, with statues of saints and religious paintings.
• The left side of the church is often used by Maya priests and spiritual leaders for traditional rituals and prayers.
• The floor of the church is sometimes covered with pine needles, a Maya tradition that represents purification.
• Instead of pews, the interior is often open, allowing for movement during spiritual ceremonies.

Even the altar and saints inside the church are adorned with Maya-inspired decorations, showing the deep interweaving of beliefs between the two religions.

3. The Role of Shamans and Spiritual Guides

Many local K’iche’ Maya shamans and spiritual leaders come to Santo Tomás Church to perform ancestral rituals, including:

• Blessings and healings for individuals or families.
• Burning copal incense as an offering to the gods and spirits.
• Chanting prayers in the K’iche’ language.
• Leaving food, candles, and flowers as gifts for deities.

It is not uncommon to witness locals consulting spiritual guides in front of the church or performing private ceremonies inside the sacred space.

Flower Market and Ceremonial Offerings

Right in front of the church, you will find the colorful flower market, where vendors sell vibrant floral arrangements, incense, and ceremonial items. These flowers are often used in both Catholic masses and Maya rituals, reinforcing the fusion of religious traditions.

This part of the market is one of the most photogenic areas of Chichicastenango, offering a beautiful contrast of faith, culture, and daily life.

How to Visit Santo Tomás Church

• Location: Chichicastenango, in the center of town near the market.
• Best Time to Visit: Market days (Thursdays and Sundays), when the town is most active.
• Respect the Traditions:
  • Do not take photos of ceremonies or shamans without permission.
  • Avoid sitting on the church steps.
  • Be respectful inside the church, as it is an active place of worship.

Why Visit Santo Tomás Church?

• Experience a rare blend of Catholicism and Maya spirituality.
• Witness traditional K’iche’ Maya rituals in an authentic setting.
• See the historic 18 steps and learn about their connection to the Maya calendar.
• Enjoy the vibrant flower market in front of the church.
• Gain a deeper understanding of Guatemala’s cultural and spiritual diversity.

Conclusion

Iglesia de Santo Tomás is more than just a historical landmark—it is a living place of worship where ancient and modern spiritual traditions coexist. Whether you come to admire the architecture, witness Maya rituals, or explore the surrounding market, a visit to this church offers an unforgettable glimpse into Guatemala’s rich cultural heritage.