Why does this chapel need to fight for its status? Welcome to Santa Catarina Atzacualco. This is one of Azcapotzalco’s original neighborhoods. In the 16th century, the Dominicans built one of 27 chapels here. These chapels marked the ancient neighborhoods. Today Atzacualco is often called Santa Catarina.
After the Dominicans, the Franciscans dedicated the neighborhood to the Sacred Heart and Our Lady of Guadalupe. The chapel stands in the plaza. But an ancient tree challenges its prominence. The giant Antiguo Ahuehuete de Santa Catarina dominates the area. It shades the plaza and the former church atrium to the east. This tree is likely around 700 years old.
Legend says the Tepaneca people planted many such trees in Azcapotzalco. They brought them from their native Michoacán. The chapel you see now likely dates back to the 17th century. An earthquake badly damaged it in the 18th century. During repairs, builders added the bell tower. Parishioners completely rebuilt the Santa Catarina Atzacualco church in 1933. In the 1990s, conservationists detected severe structural damage again. The church is still addressing some of these issues.
Despite the challenges, the chapel provides a welcome tone to the plaza. Local primary school students often fill the area. It is a warm and inviting neighborhood. Santa Catarina Atzacualco plaza and its tree are a short walk from Metro Ferrerìa. This crooked town center is one of Azcapotzalco’s oldest settlements.
Interestingly, Santa Catarina Atzacualco was once sacred to the Tepanec people. They were the main rivals of the Mexica of Tenochtitlan. The Dominicans’ construction of the chapel marked a significant change. It shifted the area’s focus to Christianity. Yet the ancient tree remains a testament to the area’s pre-colonial past.
The chapel at Santa Catarina Atzacualco has seen many changes. It has survived earthquakes and rebuilds. It continues to be a focal point for the community. The fight for status with the ancient tree adds to its unique charm.
As you stand here, consider the layers of history beneath your feet. The Tepaneca people. The Dominican and Franciscan missionaries. The modern-day parishioners and students. All have left their mark on Santa Catarina Atzacualco.