Before you stands a testament to faith and history the Capilla de la Misericordia. This chapel is not just a building. It is a story etched in stone and devotion.
The Iglesia de la Misericordia was founded in the early 17th century. Sadly it was demolished in the late 18th century. It stood north of Mexico City’s historic center. Today, it would be on Mariana Rodríguez del Toro de Lazarín street. The church became known as a cemetery. It was the final resting place for criminals executed in the main square.
The church was named after the Lord of Mercy. This was a sculpture of a crucified Christ housed within. The Cofradía de la Doctrina Cristiana carried this image. They accompanied prisoners to their execution. Afterward, they returned the sculpture to the church with the prisoner’s body for burial. The Cofradía also collected the remains of those publicly displayed. They buried the hands and heads of the executed with the permission of the judges.
Originally, the temple was connected to a hospital. This hospital operated in the 17th century. Later, it became a recogimiento a house of refuge known as the Casa de la Misericordia. This gave names to three streets. These streets were Cerrada de la Misericordia now Mariana Rodríguez del Toro de Lazarín. Also Calle de la Estampa de la Misericordia now Peru between Allende and República de Chile. And Calle del Puente de la Misericordia now Allende between Peru and República de Honduras.
In 1682, Bishop Francisco de Aguiar y Seijas arrived. He improved the hospital’s conditions. It had been damaged by earthquakes and floods. The bishop supported the hospital financially. During his time, he allowed the royal court to house female prisoners there. They stayed until 1692 when moved to Santa María Magdalena.
In 1692, the Mexico City riot occurred. Shortly after, on June 14, riots broke out in Tlaxcala. According to Antonio Robles, chronicler of the riots, indigenous people were executed. They were buried in the Iglesia de la Misericordia between June 18 and 21. They included Joseph de la Cruz Sebastián Miguel Antonio and Miguel de Texcoco. Also, the mestizo Diego de Alvarado and the Spaniard Bernardino Montaño. They were punished for participating in the riots.
Archbishop José Lanciego y Eguilaz transformed the hospital. In the early 18th century, it became a recogimiento for divorced women. The building and church were rebuilt. The architect Manuel de Herrera led the works. The temple and recogimiento were dedicated in 1709.
By 1781, the building and temple were in poor condition. Engineer Miguel Constanzó said they should be demolished and rebuilt. He suggested Victoria Street in San Juan neighborhood as a new location. However, in 1783, Francisco Guerrero y Torres stated it could be repaired on the same site. He was assigned to reconstruct the house and temple. The 1787 earthquake stopped the project. Demolition was ordered in 1792.
The houses of recogimiento served as places of confinement. They housed divorced widowed or married women. They were supported by pensions from their husbands.
The Casa de la Misericordia operated for almost the entire 18th century. It opened in 1709 and closed in 1792. This was due to earthquake damage. The Mexico City archdiocese founded it. The Archbishop governed it. It was named after the Iglesia de la Misericordia. The house had a porter’s lodge a lathe a bars for visits and a chaplain’s house.
In 1796, the church and house were demolished. Homes were built in their place. Rents were assigned to San Andrés Hospital. These homes were rebuilt in the mid-19th century. They still exist today at number 20 Mariana Rodríguez del Toro de Lazarín Street. They are a notable example of 19th-century neighborhood architecture.
The church and Casa de la Misericordia encompassed buildings 20 and 24. They are on the north side of Mariana Rodríguez del Toro de Lazarín Street. Building number 24 known as the Casa de los Huesitos is architecturally significant.
Today, as you stand before this place remember its layered past. The Capilla de la Misericordia is more than bricks and mortar. It is a symbol of faith refuge and the enduring spirit of Mexico City.