Cozumel, Mexico is a favorite tourist attraction for a romantic get away or a relaxing tropical vacation. The aqua blue waters and warm climate are also home to Iglesia de San Miguel, which is the town's main church. The Catholic church has served as a central meeting point for the townspeople, due to the majority of the town being of the Catholic faith.
San Miguel is a smaller section of Cozumel, which earns its name when some farmers were digging in a field more than 100 years ago. They unearthed which was definitely out of place in comparison to the rest of the soil. When the farmers finished digging, they had exposed an ivory statue of St. Michael the Archangel brandishing a gold sword and crown. The day the statue was found also coincided with the holy day of San Miguel. The people of the town took this as as sign from above and named the town as well as the church, San Miguel.
The statue is believed to have been a gift from Juan Grijalva who apparently landed in Cozumel in 1518. The Iglesia de San Miguel holds this famous statue on its altar at the head of the church. For people looking to slip away from the resort town and venture into local culture, the Iglesia de San Miguel is a great place to start. The architecture in the town alone provides great photograph opportunities for anyone visiting. The rich history of the town dating back over 400 years has buildings and architecture from all periods of time. There are many facets to all cultures and the town of San Miguel is a step away from the resort and a step into the true local surroundings.
