Many of these doors open into grand courtyards, another hallmark of Querétaro’s architectural style, where residents and visitors alike are greeted with the elegance of arched walkways and central fountains. This blend of practical fortification and artistic design symbolizes the importance of security, privacy, and grandeur in the colonial period, reflecting the city’s status as a crucial site during Mexico’s fight for independence and its vibrant religious life, filled with the spiritual energy of churches, convents, and monasteries.