Iglesia del Dulce Nombre de Jesús

Affectionately known as “the yellow church” because of its bright yellow façade, this building is a vivid reminder of Campeche’s colonial history and spiritual heritage. The story of the church goes back to the 16th century, when a small place of worship known as a capilla abierta was established here for the more marginalized communities of the city, including Indigenous people, enslaved individuals, and people of mixed ancestry, groups often referred to at the time as morenos. The site served as a spiritual refuge for populations who were excluded from the main parish, making it one of the rare visible examples of religious segregation from that period. It was only in the early 17th century that the site was expanded into a full church, which even became the main parish of Campeche before the cathedral was completed. In 1685, during the devastating pirate attack led by the pirate known as Lorencillo, the church was partially burned. It was quickly restored, and despite the passing centuries, much of its original character has been preserved. The architecture is marked by a façade that is both simple and imposing, painted in a vivid yellow that stands out among the pastel tones of the surrounding buildings. This distinctive color has made it one of the most photographed landmarks in Campeche. You may also notice the large buttresses along the walls, which not only reinforce the structure but also recall a time when the church could serve as a refuge during attacks.