Information
Landmark: Santo Tomás ChurchCity: Chichicastenango
Country: Guatemala
Continent: North America
Santo Tomás Church, Chichicastenango, Guatemala, North America
Overview
Iglesia de Santo Tomás – the spiritual heart of Chichicastenango – is a 16th‑century Catholic church standing at the town’s center, its whitewashed steps worn smooth by centuries of pilgrims, simultaneously it’s among the country’s most treasured religious and cultural sites, known for weaving Catholic faith with Maya customs-incense curling in the air beside carved wooden saints.Built in 1545 atop the remains of a pre-Hispanic Mayan temple, the church holds deep meaning for Catholic worshippers and for the local K’iche’ Maya, who still light candles at its worn stone steps, to boot today, it stands as a rare emblem of blended faith, where the scent of incense from Maya rites mingles with the candles of Catholic mass-something you won’t find anywhere else in Guatemala.Santo Tomás Church, built by Spanish missionaries in the 16th century to convert the local people to Christianity, stands on the ruins of a pre-Columbian temple, its entrance still reached by the same 18 worn stone steps, to boot the steps are said to mark the 18 months of the Mayan calendar, and though the church began as a Catholic site, it still draws K’iche’ Maya for sacred rituals that keep ancient traditions alive.Unlike most Catholic churches, Santo Tomás hums with a strong Maya presence-shamans burn incense on the steps while spiritual leaders chant prayers inside, as well as one.As you can see, The 18 stone steps, worn smooth by centuries of bare feet, climb toward the church and remain one of its most striking landmarks, in addition each step marks a month in the 260-day Maya calendar, and they’re often the stage for ceremonies, offerings, and fire rituals.You might catch the scent of copal incense as shamans light candles and chant for blessings, a good harvest, or healing, also visitors are asked not to sit on the steps, since they carry deep spiritual meaning.Frankly, Inside, the church weaves Catholic traditions together with Maya beliefs, furthermore on the right side of the church, Catholics hold services beneath statues of saints and paintings that glow in the candlelight, moderately The left side belongs to Maya priests and spiritual leaders, where they offer prayers and perform age-timeworn rituals, not only that sometimes pine needles blanket the floor, their scent sharp and clean, symbolizing purification, fairly There are no pews-just open space for people to move freely during ceremonies, consequently even the altar and the saints wear touches of Maya-inspired design, a quiet testament to the way the two faiths have braided together over time, somewhat In a way, Three, meanwhile in Santo Tomás Church, K’iche’ Maya shamans and spiritual guides carry out time-honored rituals-offering blessings and healings to families, burning sweet copal incense for the gods, chanting in the K’iche’ tongue, and leaving food, candles, and bright marigolds for the deities-and it’s common to glimpse locals seeking their counsel on the church steps or quietly holding private ceremonies within its shadowed walls.Right in front of the church, the flower market bursts with color as vendors call out over buckets of marigolds, selling bright bouquets, curling incense sticks, and other ceremonial treasures, equally important people spot these flowers on church altars during Catholic Mass and weave them into Maya ceremonies, a quiet blend of two faiths in the same bright petals.This corner of the market is among Chichicastenango’s most photogenic spots, where the bright colors of woven shawls mingle with the quiet presence of faith, culture, and everyday bustle, along with if you’re in Chichicastenango, head to Santo Tomás Church in the heart of town, just steps from the bustling market.Go on a Thursday or Sunday, when the streets hum with voices and the air smells of fresh marigolds, on top of that remember to honor local customs-don’t photograph ceremonies or shamans without asking, avoid sitting on the church steps, and keep quiet inside, as it’s an active spot of worship.Here, Catholic and Maya traditions intertwine; you might glimpse K’iche’ Maya rituals performed on the worn 18 stone steps, each tied to the Maya calendar, besides outside, the flower market bursts with color, offering a vivid glimpse into Guatemala’s rich cultural and spiritual life.This isn’t just a landmark-it’s a living bridge between the ancient and the present, alternatively come for the soaring stone arches, stay to witness a Maya ritual or wander the bustling market outside-the church gives you an unforgettable glimpse into Guatemala’s rich cultural heritage.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-09-14
