Centuries whisper from these aged walls. Right here we stand before the Capilla de la Concepci\u00f3n. It is also known as La Conchita. Some even call it the Chapel of the Dead. This tiny temple is near perfect. Its Baroque style is enticing.
The Plaza de la Concepci\u00f3n is in the northwest of the Centro Hist\u00f3rico. It wasn’t always here. Once, this area was Cuepopan-Tlaquechiuhca. It was a neighborhood of Mexico-Tenochtitlan. Battles raged here between the Tenochca and the Tepanecas. The Triple Alliance finally subdued the Tepanecs of Azcapotzalco.
Tenochtitlan fought major battles here. These battles were with their neighbors from Tlatelolco. The Colonia Guerrro changed radically after the Spanish arrived. But the name Cuepopan stuck. It remained at least for this little plaza.
The Capilla de la Concepci\u00f3n has a fascinating history. It was founded in the mid-18th century. Originally, it honored Santa Luc\u00eda of Syracuse. It was part of the Immaculate Conception Church and Convent. This was just south and across the street. The chapel closed late in the 18th century. It was eventually abandoned. By the mid-19th century, it became a mortuary. It served paupers. This explains its morbid nickname.
In 1927, the Federal Education Board repurposed it. It became a library. In 1931, the chapel gained historical monument status.
The Capilla de la Concepci\u00f3n boasts a unique design. It is perfectly hexagonal. A red brick cupola covers it. A tiny roof lantern sits on top. The facade has two sections. A semicircular arch forms the lower part. Elaborate molding displays plant elements. Fluted pilasters stand on each side. The keystone relief depicts Francis of Assisi. Above, more plant decoration adorns the space. The second section holds a niche. A sculpture represents Jesus of Nazareth. He carries a cross. A broken pediment tops it. A relief-monogram of the Virgin Mary completes the design.
A restoration took place in 2016. Since then, the Capilla de la Concepci\u00f3n hosts digital projection projects. If one is scheduled, don’t miss it. It’s a centerpiece of art and history. The six sides are exposed. Its baroque facade is guarded by two side oculi. Its hemispherical dome gives a volatile touch to the arch that represents San Francisco.
There is a belief that at the end of the 19th century it was called La Capilla de los Muertos. It was used as a mortuary deposit for the poor. During the government of Calles, a library was installed there. Of its baroque interior there is absolutely nothing left. Its presence speaks to us of a neighborhood geometry. It also shows the devotion of a cult. This devotion avoided its demolition.
The Capilla de la Concepci\u00f3n stands as a testament to time. It has witnessed battles and transformations. It has served as a chapel, a mortuary, and a library. Today, it stands as a monument. It reminds us of Mexico City’s rich past.