Is it me or does this chapel seem oddly configured? This is the Capilla de la Resurrección Tultenco. It stands as a unique religious building south of Mexico City’s center.
Let’s dive into the story of Capilla de la Resurrección. Its location is quite specific. It is on the narrow Callejón de la Resurrección. This is across from the Callejón de los Canarios. The area still has some old houses. Avenida del Taller-Eje 2 Sur is one block north. Calzada de la Viga is one block west.
Originally Tultenco was an island. It was one of five islands where Mexico City was built. Tultenco was south of the city. The area belonged to Teopan. The island was between Calzada de Tlalpan and Calzada de la Viga. As the land grew Tultenco covered both sides of the Viga Canal.
After the Spanish conquest Tultenco’s population decreased. It became a small village outside the city. Three chapels were built on both sides of the Viga Canal for the residents. These were San Francisquito Santa Crucita and La Resurrección. Tultenco was so small that it did not appear on city maps until the 20th century. By then the Doctores and Obrera colonies existed. Today it is part of the Artes Gráficas colony not a town or neighborhood.
The Capilla de la Resurrección is unusual. It differs from most chapels. It lacks a facade with a bell tower. Instead it has a humble door on the side. The bell tower is almost separate from the main church. It appears unfinished. The chapel dates back to the late 17th century. It is made of adobe.
The church has a cross-shaped layout. But it does not have a front facade. Instead the entrance is on the side. The bell tower seems incomplete. This is what makes the Capilla de la Resurrección so strange.
The Capilla de la Resurrección Tultenco remains an intriguing place. Its history shows the changes in Mexico City over time. Its unique design makes it stand out. It is a testament to the area’s rich past.
The Capilla de la Resurrección is a quiet reminder of faith. It is a landmark in a changing urban area.