Church from the 16th Century Emerges from Waterlogged Reservoir in Mexico
Mexico City, Mexico – In a mesmerizing spectacle, a 460-year-old church has resurfaced from the depths of a reservoir in Quecula, Mexico. The stunning revelation was brought about by the recent severe drought that has plagued the region, causing the water level to significantly drop.
Constructed in the 16th century, the Quecula Church had been submerged underwater since the completion of the reservoir in 1966. However, remarkably, the water’s embrace has helped preserve the church, with the majority of its structure remaining intact.
Unveiling this hidden architectural gem has delighted both locals and visitors alike. Many residents were previously unaware of the church’s complete appearance, making this a truly rare and extraordinary opportunity.
A Forgotten Church with a Troubled Past
Originally built in 1564 with hopes of reviving the town, the Kechula Church remained largely unused by worshipers. A lack of regular pastoral supervision and the devastation caused by the Black Death in the 18th century led to the church’s abandonment and subsequent ruin.
However, it was only after the completion of the reservoir that people started taking an interest in Kechula Church. Significant portions of the church previously emerged above water in 2009 and 2015, grabbing public attention and prompting local residents to explore tourism opportunities.
Now, the revelation of the fully exposed church has spurred a surge in local tourism. Entrepreneurs have capitalized on this unique attraction, offering food sales to visitors near the reservoir and organizing boat trips to the church.
Drought Reveals Hidden Treasures Worldwide
This recent emergence of historical sites due to depleted rivers and reservoirs is not an isolated incident. Last summer, as water levels in China’s Yangtze River reached a record low after 150 years, a 600-year-old Buddha statue was discovered, captivating archeologists and locals alike.
Similarly, the receding waters of Italy’s Po River revealed the remains of an ancient village in the northwest region of Piedmont. Furthermore, the ruins of a bridge, believed to have been constructed by Emperor Nero, emerged from the Tiber River in Rome, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Roman architecture.
Climate change-induced glacial melting in Europe has also played its part in surprising discoveries. Remnants buried for over half a century were unearthed in mountains across the continent, shedding new light on Europe’s rich historical legacy.
This remarkable event serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between nature and humanity’s collective history. As the world grapples with pressing environmental challenges, it is essential to protect and cherish these cultural relics.
Gunari Forsythia
Intern Reporter
forsythia26@asiae.co.kr
Full view of the church below the reservoir
A church built in the 16th century has emerged full of water from a reservoir in Mexico that was thirsty.
The church in Quecula, Mexico, which was submerged in water due to the completion of the reservoir in 1966, was completely exposed as the water level dropped due to a recent severe drought. [이미지출처=AFP연합뉴스]
According to National Geographic and others on the 26th (local time), the Quecula Church built 460 years ago was revealed on the 18th at the Nehualcoyotl Reservoir in Chiapas, Mexico. This happened because of a drought that started in March due to the scorching heat that hit most of Mexico.
Although it has been under water for around 60 years, the church has been kept in good condition, with most of the structure intact.
National Geographic said, “Even among local residents, most people do not know the complete appearance of this church,” and said, “It is a rare opportunity.”
The church in Quecula, Mexico, which was submerged in water due to the completion of the reservoir in 1966, was completely exposed as the water level dropped due to a recent severe drought. [사진=페이스북 캡처]
Kechula Church was built in 1564 to anticipate the revival of the town, but a priest did not reside there regularly, and few believers used it.
In the middle of the 18th century, the Black Death spread in this area, and the church was abandoned and it was in ruins. In 1966, when the Malpaso Dam reservoir was built, the church was under water about 30 meters deep.
Rather it was after the reservoir was completed that people came to Kechula Church. In 2009 and 2015, Kechula Church also attracted public attention when parts of the church were exposed above water as the water level in the reservoir dropped.
As a result, local residents have started a tourism business. They developed a product that sells food to tourists near the reservoir or takes them to church by boat.
Local residents have developed a tourism product to and from Kechula Church, which has only been partially revealed. [사진=내셔널지오그래픽]
Meanwhile, this is not the first time historic sites have appeared as rivers and reservoirs have dried up due to the worst heatwave and drought ever.
Last summer, as water levels in China’s Yangtze River hit their lowest level in 150 years, a Buddha statue believed to have been made 600 years ago was uncovered.
In Italy, as the Po River dried up, the remains of an ancient village appeared in Piedmont in the northwest. In addition, the ruins of a bridge believed to have been built by the Emperor Nero on the Tiber River in Rome were found.
In addition, as glaciers melted, remains were found in the mountains of Europe that had been buried for over half a century.
Intern Reporter Gunari forsythia26@asiae.co.kr
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