Misión Santo Tomás de Aquino Ruins
1 / 13

Misión Santo Tomás de Aquino Ruins

4.5
·20 reviews·Santo Tomás, Mexico

Explore the remnants of an 18th-century Spanish mission, once a hub for agriculture and wine production, nestled in a tranquil countryside.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daylight hours

Best for exploring ruins

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Misión Santo Tomás de Aquino Ruins

Misión Santo Tomás de Aquino Ruins

Best Time

Daylight hours

Best for exploring ruins

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the remnants of an 18th-century Spanish mission, once a hub for agriculture and wine production, nestled in a tranquil countryside.

4.5
(20 reviews)

"It's a very nice, quiet place where you can relax. It's not far from the city."

Vertical photo
TIP

Promote the Ruins

Consider visiting this historic site; it could benefit from more promotion and advertising. :camerawithflash:

Relaxing Countryside

A quiet and pleasant spot, great for a day trip or a motorcycle ride. :motorcycle:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mission Ruins

Mission Ruins

Explore the remnants of this 18th-century Spanish mission, a testament to the region's colonial past.

Vineyard History

Vineyard History

Discover the mission's legacy as a significant wine producer in its time.

Scenic Countryside

Scenic Countryside

Enjoy the tranquil rural setting, perfect for a relaxing day trip or motorcycle ride.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

While the ruins themselves are always accessible, consider visiting during daylight hours for the best experience. Weekends can be busier with local visitors enjoying the countryside.

Understanding the History

This former Spanish mission, founded in 1791, was a hub for agriculture and wine production. Its decline in the 19th century led to its abandonment, leaving behind these historical remnants.

Best Times

When
Daylight hours
Why
Best for exploring ruins
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Local leisure time
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🟠Oración a SANTO TOMÁS DE AQUINO para PASAR UN EXAMEN 🙏📚
@cadena_de_oracion
25.9K likes • 470.5K views

Promote the Ruins

Consider visiting this historic site; it could benefit from more promotion and advertising. :camerawithflash:

Relaxing Countryside

A quiet and pleasant spot, great for a day trip or a motorcycle ride. :motorcycle:

😇 Anécdota de Santo Tomás de Aquino con una cortesana. Tomás, siendo joven, enfrentó la tentación con firmeza y valor. Con un palo de fuego encendido, rechazó a esta mujer que intentaba desviarlo de su camino de santidad. Un ejemplo extraordinario de cómo la virtud de la pureza puede prevalecer frente a la tentación. Que su vida nos inspire a proteger nuestra alma y cuerpo con la misma determinaci...
@enbusquedadelasantidad
19.4K likes • 146.4K views
#lagrimasdesantotomas #marimbasdeguatemala #unionsanpedrana💯🇬🇹 #musicanacionaldeguatemala #fypシ゚viral #fouryou #marimba_guatemalteca
@victor_mejia502
16.5K likes • 560.2K views

Strategic Location

The mission was ideally situated for agriculture and trade due to fertile land and water access. :earth_americas:

Santo Tomás apóstol #catolicos #santos #paratiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii #curiosidades #historia
@iacatolico
12.6K likes • 130.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Promote the Ruins

Consider visiting this historic site; it could benefit from more promotion and advertising. :camerawithflash:

Relaxing Countryside

A quiet and pleasant spot, great for a day trip or a motorcycle ride. :motorcycle:

Strategic Location

The mission was ideally situated for agriculture and trade due to fertile land and water access. :earth_americas:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(20 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Misión Santo Tomás de Aquino Ruins to be a pleasant and quiet place, ideal for a relaxing day trip or a scenic motorcycle ride. While the historical significance is noted, some feel the site could benefit from increased promotion to attract more visitors.

"Awesome wine great host"

Jon Hall

"Visit number 3 in Santo Tomás de Aquino Dominican Mission #23, founded on April 24, 1791 by Father José Loriente"

Julio Garcia

"The place is nice to look at and in my opinion it needs a little more promotion or advertising; unfortunately I was only passing through but I would like to visit."

Diego Ortiz

What People Like

Nice, quiet place
Great for motorcycle rides
Relaxing countryside

What People Dislike

Needs more promotion

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The ruins are located in the town of Santo Tomás de Aquino. While specific public transport details are scarce, it's often reached by car, offering a scenic drive into the countryside. Many visitors use it as a destination for motorcycle rides. Reddit

The ruins are situated within the town of Santo Tomás de Aquino. It's recommended to use GPS navigation for the most direct route to the town itself. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Information regarding specific ticket requirements for the ruins is limited. However, as it's a historical site within a town, access is generally open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check for any local advisories. Reddit

The ruins are typically accessible during daylight hours. For the best experience and to fully appreciate the site, plan your visit when there is ample natural light. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the remnants of the 18th-century Spanish mission, including structures that hint at its past agricultural and wine-producing activities. It's a place to reflect on the region's colonial history. Reddit

The historical ruins set against the rural landscape offer a unique backdrop for photography. Capture the textures of the old stone and the surrounding natural beauty. Reddit

Founded in 1791, it was a key Spanish mission involved in agriculture and wine production. It played a role in cultural exchange but also saw the decline of indigenous traditions. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The town of Santo Tomás de Aquino likely offers local eateries. It's a good idea to research dining options in the area beforehand, especially if visiting on a weekday. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Focus on the weathered stone structures of the ruins themselves, especially during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting. The surrounding countryside also offers picturesque views. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

Motorcycle Enthusiasts

The scenic drive to and around Santo Tomás de Aquino makes it a popular destination for motorcycle riders. The tranquil countryside offers a pleasant route for a day trip, allowing riders to enjoy the open road and the historical ambiance of the ruins. Reddit

Plan your route to include stops at the ruins and perhaps explore other nearby rural areas. The relaxed atmosphere of the town is ideal for a leisurely ride and a break from urban life.

History Buffs

For those interested in colonial history, the Misión Santo Tomás de Aquino Ruins offer a tangible connection to the past. Explore the remnants of the mission, learn about its founding, its economic activities like wine production, and its eventual decline. Reddit

Take time to read any available historical markers and imagine life here centuries ago. The site provides a quiet space for reflection on the cultural exchanges and transformations that occurred during the Spanish colonial era.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Colonial History

The Misión Santo Tomás de Aquino Ruins represent a significant chapter in the region's past. Founded on April 24, 1791, by Father José Loriente, this Spanish mission was strategically established in a fertile valley with abundant water and access to the coast. This location was ideal for its primary activities: agriculture and commerce. Reddit

The mission played a crucial role in introducing new crops, tools, and customs to the indigenous Kumeyaay culture. While this brought about changes, it also led to the gradual erosion of ancestral traditions. Beyond agriculture, the mission was particularly noted for its wine production, with its products being sold both locally and in other markets. Reddit

Despite its initial prosperity, the mission faced a decline in the mid-19th century due to factors like secularization, disease outbreaks, and political instability. Today, the town of Santo Tomás preserves these vestiges, serving as a tourist attraction and a poignant reminder of the area's colonial heritage. Reddit

The Strategic Importance of Location

The choice of the valley for establishing Misión Santo Tomás de Aquino was far from arbitrary. Its fertile lands provided an excellent base for agricultural endeavors, ensuring a steady supply of food and resources. Coupled with abundant water sources, the site was sustainable for farming and livestock. Reddit

Furthermore, the mission's easy access to the coast was vital for its commercial activities. This facilitated the transportation of goods, including their notable wine and otter furs, to other markets. This strategic positioning allowed the mission to thrive economically for a period, contributing to its influence in the region. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2