Was it chance or divine will that led architect Alberto González Pozo to this corner of Mexico City? This is Capilla La Lupita. It stands as one of his final architectural contributions. González Pozo became a dominant figure in church design around Coyoacán after the mid-20th century.
Before dedicating his time to Capilla La Lupita, González Pozo completed the San Antonio de Padua project in Xotepingo. This monumental task spanned eighteen years from 1963 to 1981. He had previously finished work on the Seguros Monterrey between 1960 and 1962. One might think he rested after these projects. Instead, he embarked on another venture here in Ajusco.
Capilla La Lupita presents a radically asymmetrical design. This breaks from traditional church architecture. The chapel is admired for its oversized stained-glass windows. These windows serve a didactic purpose. They teach religious stories through art.
The fenced-in atrium of La Lupita Chapel functions as a communal space. Parishioners use it as a plaza and playground. This creates a welcoming environment.
The chapel is a centerpiece within the Ajusco neighborhood. This area boasts at least 40 shrines and altars dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe. Many of these shrines predate the church. The uneven terrain of the Pedregal region is evident. Volcanic rock creates inviting spaces for shrines.
There is another Capilla La Lupita. This one is in San Pablo Oztotepec. It is a historical church dating back to the 16th century. This La Lupita Chapel was built atop a former pyramid. It held ceremonial significance long before the Spanish arrived. The federal government recognized it as a national historical monument in 1933.
This other chapel gained fame. It was the site of Zapata’s Plan de Ayala signing in 1914. Zapata’s army used the town as their headquarters then. Today, the soldier’s former house is a popular museum.
The Sanctuary of the Lord of Chalma shares the atrium with the Lupita Chapel. The people of San Pablo Oztotepec have made pilgrimages to Chalma for over a century. Golgota Street divides the plaza of both churches. The steps in the middle of the plaza offer a stunning view.
The chapel is in remarkable condition. It underwent modifications in the 17th and 18th centuries. Its extreme asymmetry adds to its unique character. Two very different bell towers are unusual for their time. One tower features an arcade. The other has a ramp. Mosaics depicting the Stations of the Cross adorn the surrounding wall. Today, the church is mostly for followers of San Judas Tadeo. A historical image of the Virgin of Guadalupe was moved to the Sanctuary some time ago. This chapel is sometimes called the Church of San Judas Tadeo.
Today we are talking about the Capilla La Lupita in the Colonia Ajusco. Although La Lupita is probably not considered his finest work, the architect’s reputation had been sealed. The best loved feature is probably the oversized, didactic stained-glass windows. I hope you enjoyed this inside look at the Capilla La Lupita.