How often do you stumble upon a place that whispers tales of faith and time? Here at Iglesia Catolica de Hacienda Cuautitlan that is exactly what you get. Let me introduce you to the Iglesia Catolica de Hacienda Cuautitlan. It is more than just a church. It is a testament to centuries of history and devotion.
Cuautitlan was an early site of evangelization. This began after the arrival of the twelve Franciscan apostles in Veracruz in 1524. Fray Jeronimo de Mendieta noted Cuautitlan and Tepotzotlan were the first towns visited by these evangelizers. They arrived in Cuautitlan on July 14 1524. The Franciscans chose it as their residence due to its political status and large population.
In 1532 construction began on the first church. Fray Alonso de Herrera was the first guardian. Fray Alonso de Guadalupe was the first conventual. The construction was prompted by a Royal Decree in 1530. Queen Maria Cristina de Borbon-Dos Sicilias of Spain requested a monastery be built. No remains of that first temple exist today. The current Catedral de Cuautitlan was built over it.
The current Catedral de Cuautitlan is part of the second convent complex. Construction of this second complex started in 1655. Fray Manuel Cabrera oversaw the work. He was also superintendent general of the Mexico City drainage works. Construction wasn’t completed until 1732. This is according to an inscription at the top of the apse. The location and orientation matched the first temple. The first temple was demolished to make way.
Originally, the Catedral de Cuautitlan was richly adorned. It had churrigueresque-style side altarpieces. They were dedicated to various figures including Our Lady of Guadalupe. In 1901, Jose G. Huitron had these altarpieces removed. They were cut up and relocated to other churches. A neoclassical cypress was installed. It was demolished between April 26 and May 2 1969. The current Retablo Marco was started in 1988. It was blessed on April 25 1997.
Inside the Catedral de Cuautitlan observe the four paintings. They are from the 16th century. These are attributed to the Flemish painter Martin de Vos. The painting San Miguel fighting with the devil is particularly notable. Of the eight paintings attributed to de Vos in Mexico this one is signed and dated 1581.
The Capilla de la Inmaculada Concepcion stands between the Catedral de Cuautitlan and the Templo de la Tercera Orden. Don Agustin de Carranza financed its construction. It was finished in 1727. Dona Adriana Rodriguez paid for the altarpiece. It was completed in 1729. The original entrance is on the side of the bell tower. Its altarpiece features paintings of San Miguel and Santo Domingo de Guzman.
Do you see that monumental atrial cross? It was placed in 1555. It stands on the axis of the first temple. It is among the tallest and most well-preserved in Mexico. The cross stands 4.48 meters tall. It is carved from quarry stone. It sits on an octagonal base that is 3 meters high.
The original atrium was divided to create a public space. Today the atrium measures 44.7 meters long and 135.5 meters wide. A replica of the atrial cross stands at the northeast corner of the fence. The Iglesia Catolica de Hacienda Cuautitlan is more than a building. It is a living story etched in stone and faith. Take a moment to reflect on the generations who have passed through these doors. Feel the weight of history and the enduring power of belief.