Finding: drought found church submerged for 40 years

That climate change is raging in different latitudes does not surprise anyone. But For a 19th century temple to “emerge” from water is not very common.

The high temperatures recorded in the Mexican state of Guanajuato have caused an unprecedented drought. Drought which in addition to affecting the industrial municipalities of the area and, naturally, the agricultural sector, discovered a church that remained submerged for over 40 years in a dam.

With disagreements as to whether its building dates from the late 18th century or the mid-19th century, the Temple of the Virgen de los Dolores was the heart of the community of El Zangarro. This regulation had been relevant since the Viceregal days as there were offices of the civil status and the vicariate of what was known as Villa Real de Mina de Guanajuato.

But despite the crowded place, the history of the community saw the chance sealed in 1979. And it is thanks to a decree signed by the then Mexican president, José López Portillo, that a dam, known today ‘ hui under the name of La Purísima.

As a result of this infrastructure project, the residents of El Zangarro were moved to neighboring areas and re-founded the community under the same name. Despite the passage of years and spending more than 40 years underwater, the temple of the Virgen de los Dolores is a tourist attraction that attracts lovers of places steeped in history.

THE NATION