Stunning 16th-century church emerges from drought-stricken reservoir in Mexico

A stunning 16th-century Catholic church rose from the depths of a reservoir in Mexico after water levels dropped dramatically due to an intense drought.

The stone structure, known as the Temple of Santiago, is located in the Nezahualcoyotl Reservoir in Chiapas, with a capacity of just 29 percent.

Although it often partially surfaces when water levels are low, this year’s drought has left it completely exposed, endangering the livelihoods of local fishermen.

The church was built by a group of monks led by Friar Bartolome de la Casas, who arrived in the Quechula locality in the mid-16th century in the region inhabited by the Zoque people.

It was originally lost to the reservoir’s water in 1966 when it overflowed.

With walls rising to about 30 feet, the stunning structure is 183 feet tall and 42 feet wide.

The bell tower rises 15 meters above the ground of the church, also known as the Temple of Quechula.

And despite being flooded, the old church has retained its elaborate arches that span the doorway, ornamental designs and handmade bricks.

Architect Carlos Navarete, who worked with Mexican authorities on a report on the structure, said, “The church was abandoned because of the great plagues from 1773 to 1776.”

The church depended on the nearby monastery of Tecpatan, founded in 1564.

Navarrete believes that, based on architectural similarities, it was created by the same builder at almost the same time.

The land on which the church stands is usually under water, but drought has exposed it

People now drive or walk to the site, which is well preserved after being submerged for nearly 60 years

With walls rising to about 30 feet, the stunning structure is 183 feet tall and 42 feet wide. The bell tower rises 15 meters above the ground of the church, also known as the Temple of Quechula

Its importance derived from its location on the King’s Highway, a road designed by Spanish conquistadors and still in use until the 20th century.

“Then we found the wood of the choir loft and the roof beams,” he said.

“Also a large charnel house of the plague victims who depopulated the area.

“It was a church built with the idea that this could be a major population center, but it never worked out.

“It probably didn’t even have a dedicated priest, but was only visited by people from Tecpatan.”

Although it often partially surfaces when water levels are low, this year’s drought has left it completely exposed, endangering the livelihoods of local fishermen

People would have to take boats to the center of the reservoir to see the church up close

Mexico has been experiencing intense drought since March, leading to water scarcity across the country

The church is propped up from its watery location, allowing people to come by boat. But this month, the public can drive or walk to the site.

Local tilapia farmer Darinel Gutiérrez told AFP the water began to drop too much about five months ago and has already gone above normal.

How do I support my family? At the moment I have nothing,” he said.

Mexico sounded the drought alarm in March, blaming poor rainfall in recent years that led to water scarcity.

Mexico is particularly vulnerable to drought, with 52 percent of its territory in an arid or semi-arid climate.

Although droughts are recurrent phenomena, they have increased in frequency, intensity and duration over the past decade.