San Pedro Apóstol

“On the stone demons,” a peculiar name, wouldn’t you agree? We stand before the San Pedro Apóstol Church, a name far less ominous. It sits in the heart of the San Fernando neighborhood of Tlalpan, a place steeped in history. This 18th-century church replaced an earlier structure. This earlier church was built, remarkably, atop a pre-Hispanic pyramid. This very spot gave its name, Tetzizimpan, or “on the stone demons,” to the original settlement. This settlement was a part of the old town of San Agustín de las Cuevas, which today forms the northernmost part of Tlalpan. The San Pedro Apóstol Church isn’t just a building, it’s a testament to the layers of history in this area. The name San Fernando, by the way, is a much later addition. It comes from the San Fernando Textile Factory, established in 1849. The factory produced carpets and wool articles until the late 19th century. Then, in 1904, it was sold to the government and transformed into a military academy in 1905. Now, let’s step inside the San Pedro Apóstol Church. Notice the image within. It originally resided in a private church, likely in Zacamilpa, near Ocuituco in Morelos. Its arrival here in 1928 is shrouded in mystery. It’s thought it might be connected to the land reforms happening in Morelos at that time. Back outside, the large atrium of San Pedro Apóstol Church dominates the space, a stone cross bearing images of the Passion of Christ. This church is truly the heart and soul of San Fernando.