Beneath the vibrant Mexican sun stands La Conchita a church steeped in history. This isn’t just any church. It’s almost certainly the first European church building in Mexico. Built in 1525 by Spanish colonists it sits atop an ancient Toltec altar. Imagine the layers of history beneath your feet.
La Conchita’s full name is the Capilla de la Inmaculada Concepciόn. The name Concepciόn is often shortened to Conchita. This charming little church in Coyoacán has witnessed centuries of change. It survived the War of Reform and numerous renovations. The 2017 earthquake caused damage yet La Conchita endures.
In 2013 during renovations workers unearthed a remarkable discovery. They found the remains of around 150 people. These individuals had lived between 600 and 650 CE. They were buried beneath the church’s central nave. The remains were from the decline of Teotihuacan. Further excavations revealed another 167 bodies. These were from the colonial era. La Conchita’s grounds had served as a cemetery.
The church’s architectural beauty is captivating. Its rich baroque ornamentation uses tezontle and volcanic stone. The facade features a mixti-linear arch and two columns. The central nave is a simple rectangle. Twin bell towers flank the facade. They’re decorated with Tuscan columns. Each tower could house four bells.
Sadly the original chalices censers and religious artifacts were lost during the Reform period. The church was closed during this time. It was sacked and looted. Despite this La Conchita was declared a national and cultural historical monument in 1932.
Today La Conchita stands as a testament to Mexico’s rich and layered past. The church opens intermittently. If you find it closed the surrounding plaza and gardens offer a peaceful retreat. Take a moment to feel the history breathe beneath your feet. The stories of La Conchita whisper through time. They invite you to contemplate the echoes of the past.