Charlotte Ekland, Ph.D of CSU, Chico Mexican Colonial Architecture

Types of Buildings

In Vice-Regal New Spain (Colonial Mexico), stylistic elements from European architecture are combined in unique and creative ways not found in the Old World. Forms are modified and adapted to accommodate both the skills and the creative imagination of native craftsmen.

Regional flavor is reflected in the various schools of art and architecture that spring up throughout the colony. Local materials, particularly the different types of stone used in construction, add to distinctively regional variety.

In the literature concerning colonial churches and monasteries, structures are commonly identified simply by the name of the town where they are built.  This system works for small towns that have only one notable colonial building.  However, in larger towns or cities, where there are multiple buildings of note, the nomenclature creates confusion. I have chosen to use the formal names of buildings for the sake of consistency.  In addition, I include the town or city where the building is located.  In the lists below, the buildings are alphabetized by city/town to make it easier to follow the literature.