Act of God or engineering marvel? Stunning church in Mexico survived EIGHT YEAR volcanic eruption... though the rest of the town was completely destroyed

·        The small village of San Juan Parangaricutiro in Mexico is completely buried under lava, save for its church

·        This is due to the eight-year eruption of Volcán de Parícutin, which began in 1943

·         Many credit the structure's solid slabs with its ability to withstand the constant flow of heat

A church is all that remains of the small village of San Juan Parangaricutiro in the state of Michoacán in Mexico.

The town was completely blanketed after the eruption of Volcán de Parícutin in 1943.

For the next eight years, lava flowed freely, burying the town underneath feet of volcanic rock - though its church survived unscathed.

The volcanic eruption was particularly unique as its entire evolution was observed and studied.

Many also consider this volcano, and adjacent lava-covered village, to be one of the natural wonders of the world.

Under the church, houses and other buildings remain buried, though thankfully no residents were injured during the extended eruption. 

While some like to believe that it's ability to withstand the lava was an act from above, the solid slabs used to build the structure have also been credited. 

Even today, the haunting images show a stark contrast between the barren ground and the holy building.

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A church is all that remains in the small village of San Juan Parangaricutiro in the state of Michoacán in Mexico

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Following the eruption of the Volcán de Parícutin in 1943, the entire town was blanketed by lava

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Despite the constant flow during the 8 years that followed, the town's church escaped unscathed

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The entire village remains buried, despite the sole structure rising above the vast barren landscape

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Though some may prefer to think of it as an act of God, the church's solid slabs are believed to be responsible for its stability

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The lava created incredible rock formations in the Mexican province, which is part of the Ring of Fire, an area known for its volcanoes

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Thankfully, none of the town's residents were injured during the volcanic eruption, as they had time to evacuate