The Jalpan Mission was the first of the five Franciscan Missions to be built, and was even founded before Fray Junipero de Serra arrived in 1744.
It is dedicated to the apostle Santiago, and it is located in front of the main square of Jalpan de Serra. It consists of an atrium, cloister, pilgrims' portal and the church, with a chapel in the annex on the left side.
Its stucco and stone façade is easily distinguished because it contrasts the ocher of the pilasters with the yellow of its decorative details, which have a saffron color and are decorated with many flowers. Each one of the facades of the Missions, has a meaning, created from the symbolism of its decorations, in this one the meaning is "The Defense of the faith".
The Franciscan Missions were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003.
