The church was constructed specifically to replace the indigenous temple formerly dedicated to Quetzalcoatl.
The base of the Great Pyramid of Cholula upon which the church sits is four times the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
The temple features traditional Puebla Talavera tiles on its dome and towers, manufactured using local volcanic clay.
Following a major earthquake in 1999, the church suffered significant structural damage, necessitating a major multi-year restoration project.
The sanctuary houses a highly venerated statue of the Virgin of Los Remedios, which is the focus of the region's largest annual procession.
The entire hill beneath the church is a partially excavated archaeological zone containing a network of tunnels through the pyramid's interior.
The Santuario de la Virgen de los Remedios is a colonial-era Catholic church constructed directly atop the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the largest archaeological pyramid base in the world by volume. Built by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, the structure serves as a visible symbol of the superimposition of European religious traditions upon indigenous religious centers. The site overlooks the city of San Andrés Cholula and offers expansive views of the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes. The church architecture features a Mudejar-influenced dome covered in hand-painted Talavera tiles characteristic of the Puebla region. Access to the hilltop sanctuary requires climbing a long, zigzagging stone path that originates near the base of the archaeological site. It remains an active parish church and a major destination for religious pilgrimages, particularly during local feast days. The interior is decorated with gold-leaf altarpieces and paintings typical of New Spanish art. The church is structurally integrated into the pyramid's outer terrace, necessitating ongoing geological monitoring to preserve the integrity of both the church and the underlying pre-Hispanic mound.
From the church terrace, facing west towards the Popocatépetl volcano.
Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear as the path up the pyramid is made of uneven stone and can be slippery when wet.
Bring sun protection, as the walk to the church summit is almost entirely exposed to direct sunlight.
Visit the small museum at the base of the pyramid before walking up to understand the layers of history beneath the church.
Do not attempt to climb off the designated paths, as the pyramid structure is fragile and strictly protected.
Access to the archaeological tunnels beneath the church often closes on Mondays for maintenance.
Maintain a respectful silence inside the church; dress modestly as it is an active place of worship.
