Centuries Old Church Emerges from Water in Mexico

A 16th century church submerged in a southern Mexico dam project 49 years ago has reappeared following a severe drought, drawing visitors by boat to gaze at the spectacular ruins.

  • The Apostle Santiago church, built by Dominican friars, vanished under water in 1966 when the hydroelectric dam was built in the Grijalva river. (AFP Photo)
    The Apostle Santiago church, built by Dominican friars, vanished under water in 1966 when the hydroelectric dam was built in the Grijalva river. (AFP Photo)
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  • Between 1,000 to 2,000 indigenous Zoque people who lived in Quechula, as their town was named, were relocated and their homes were submerged. (AFP Photo)
    Between 1,000 to 2,000 indigenous Zoque people who lived in Quechula, as their town was named, were relocated and their homes were submerged. (AFP Photo)
  • Around half of the 15-meter (49-foot) high church, which no longer has a roof, emerged in recent weeks in the Nezahualcoyotl reservoir. (AFP Photo)
    Around half of the 15-meter (49-foot) high church, which no longer has a roof, emerged in recent weeks in the Nezahualcoyotl reservoir. (AFP Photo)
  • Birds have been landing on the ruins and vegetation has grown on the stone, while Juan Alvarez Diaz has used his 10-seater boat to take visitors to the church. (AFP Photo)
    Birds have been landing on the ruins and vegetation has grown on the stone, while Juan Alvarez Diaz has used his 10-seater boat to take visitors to the church. (AFP Photo)
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  • It's not the first time that the church reappears. The last time was in 2002, when the entire, 60-meter long building could be seen. (AFP Photo)
    It's not the first time that the church reappears. The last time was in 2002, when the entire, 60-meter long building could be seen. (AFP Photo)
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