The Legend of the Clock at the Compañía in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán
The Compañía is located next to the Jesuit Cultural Center (“ex colegio”), at the top of the hill of
the intersection of Enseñanza and Portugal streets, just a couple blocks from Mansión Iturbe.
This temple was
built between 1540 and 1546. It served as the interim Cathedral from
1546 and 1565, when it passed into the hands of the Jesuits.
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| Clock at The Compañía Church in Patzcuaro |
According to the
city chronicler, Enrique Soto González, in his "Legends of Patzcuaro,” this legend begins in 16th-century Spain. King Felipe II had
imprisoned the Duke of Ávila, who was confined in a dungeon, accused of high
treason. His execution was to take place in the town square at the
stroke of midnight. All the preparations were made. But
the next day the clock only struck eleven, and the defendant was sent back to
prison. The same happened the following day, and the execution was postponed
once again.
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| Clock a the Compañia Church in Pátzcuaro |
People pondered the significance of the event, and when the news reached the King, he went himself to the square to investigate. Sure enough, the clock only struck eleven. Witnessing this, the monarch saw it as a sign to grant clemency to the Duke of Ávila. The Duke was exiled instead of being executed. The clock itself was also was banished to Mexico (specifically, to Pátzcuaro).
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| Clock at the Compañía Church in Pátzcuaro |
Sometime later,
the Duke of Ávila arrived in Mexico and, as he had seen death so close, he
vowed to refurbish the clock in gold and silver, and place it in a cantera showcase.
When the Duke learned that the clock was heading for Pátzcuaro, he too made that his destination. However, en
route, he was robbed and put in chains. In a second stroke of luck,
he was able to escape – only to fall into a nearby river. He drowned
at the stroke of twelve, without fulfilling his promise to renovate the clock
that saved his life.
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| Tower of the Compañia Church in Pátzcuaro |
It was said
that, when midnight struck, a man in chains could be seen wandering through the
streets of Pátzcuaro, and then
rushing into an underground river.
This and many
other legends of Pátzcuaro, can be
found in the book "Leyendas de
Pátzcuaro."
Come to our Pueblo Mágico and stroll our streets
full of legends!
*Text and pictures property of Hotel Mansión Iturbe.
We also invite you to check more post in our blog, you will find information about Pátzcuaro and its surroundings, that we hope will be useful for your next trip to our colonial town in Mexico.
Here are some post that we suggest you:
Mexican Traditions: The Moors of Tejaro in Patzcuaro
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