The Temple of Santiago in Chiapas, Mexico, was built in 1564 by Dominican friars. The stately stone building remained for 400 years, until in 1966, the Malpaso Dam was built, and the land where the church sat became flooded by the Nezahualcoyotl Reservoir.
Since then, the church has been completely submerged, along with the abandoned town of Quechula. But history has a funny way of sticking around… (If you don't believe us, look at how Woodstock-era fashion and music have lasted.)
Recently, the area experienced a fairly severe drought that brought water levels in the reservoir down, and allowed the long-submerged church to reappear from the waves.
But eventually, when the rains return, the church will slip under once again.
Despite being abandoned and then submerged for 50 years, it's still in good enough shape that people have come to visit, climbing on the walls and the carved facade. This surreal little destination is a bit different than others, but it's a fascinating part of Mexico's history.
Would you go for a visit? Let us know in the comments below!
(h/t: Lost At E Minor)
The Temple of Santiago, also known as the Church of Quechula, was abandoned even before the dam was built in 1966. The church was built very large because at the time, it was believed that the village of Quechula would become a large city.
But that never happened, and after a plague struck in the 1800s, Quechula and its church were abandoned. When the Malpaso Dam was built, everything was swept under the water — until a drought, that is.
When it reappeared in late summer, people wanted to go exploring. By taking a boat out into the lake, they could reach the church.
And honestly, it looks like a cool place to explore!
Even after all this time, the walls are still sturdy enough to climb.
This isn't the first time the church has reappeared. In 2002, water levels got even lower than they did this year, and people could actually walk around inside the church. The locals even threw a party!
This year, though, the church's floors remain submerged, which means climbing!
And the explorers were able to get into some pretty interesting places.
Though this probably wouldn't be the best trip for those who are afraid of heights.
Although it's such a unique experience, you might be able to overcome that fear just to see it for yourself!
Okay, this probably isn't what those Dominican friars of the 1560s would expect, but it's about time this temple in the water got some love again.
The Temple of Santiago will likely be submerged once again in the near future, but knowing it's down there is like having a cool little secret.
And when it comes back, you know the locals will be ready to explore it again!
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