450-Year-Old Church in Mexico Re-Emerges After Severe Drought

Low water levels caused the ancient church to surface.

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Complex Original

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A 450-year-old church in Mexico’s Nezahualcoyotl reservoir hath risen once again after a severe drought has decreased the almost 100 feet of water that covered the church. 

Built in 1564, the Temple of Santiago (also known as the Temple of Quechula) in Chiapas, was reportedly built with expectations of the area’s population growth,  architect Carlos Navarretes told the Associated Press. But that never happened and a plague hit the area from 1773 to 1776 leaving the church abandoned. A dam was built in 1966, thus the church being submerged.

The 183 feet long and 42 feet wide church, according to the Associated Press, is being toured by people who are taken on boats by local fisherman. This isn’t the first time the church re-emerges, back in 2002 water levels were so low people could walk through the church. Here's a better look at the Temple of Santiago:

 

 

[via Huffington Post]

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