Martín Checa-Artasu

researcher

Martín Checa-Artasu is a researcher at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM) Iztapalapa, known for his extensive work on neo-Gothic architecture in Mexico. With over 15 years of research, he authored the book 'Neo-gothic architecture in Mexico: A geographical vision' (2025, Springer), which provides a detailed analysis of the social, political, and religious implications of this architectural style that emerged in Mexico during the 19th century. His study reveals the presence of 585 neo-Gothic buildings in Mexico, including 113 religious temples, and explores how these structures reflect historical processes such as the liberal policies and the disintegration of the Catholic Church's influence during the Reform Wars. Checa-Artasu's work not only maps these buildings but also delves into the stories behind their construction, highlighting their significance as symbols of religious and cultural identity in a rapidly modernizing society.