Here stands the Capilla de San Lucas. This chapel has a story etched in its very stones.
The San Lucas Chapel began as the “Indian Chapel.” It served an ancient neighborhood. Later, it was re-founded in the mid-17th century. This area became known as the slaughterhouse district. Saint Luke is the patron saint of artists and butchers. His Gospel is often linked to a bull. Saint Luke deals with the sacrificial aspects of Christian stories.
In 1690, the church became a parish. In 1698, rebuilding was ordered. The work finished in 1701. Local butchers funded the project. They likely felt unwelcome at San Miguel Archangel Church nearby. Early colonial references call the area San Lucas Cuezcontitlan de los Carniceros. The N\u00e1huatl name, Cuezcontitlan, means “Place of the Barns”. It reflects the neighborhood’s agricultural role.
During the 18th century, the church was remodeled multiple times. The facade dates from this period. In the 19th century, the church housed military personnel with contagious diseases. The entire Mar\u00eda Magdalena complex was a military hospital then. The United States invasion in 1847 impacted nearby religious sites. It marked the beginning of the Hospital Ju\u00e1rez Centro.
Inside the San Lucas Chapel are prominent colonial-era sculptures. A wooden Neo-classical confessional is also worth seeing. Even now, the church helps the neighborhood’s neediest. Excavations in 2017 near Metro Pino Su\u00e1rez found animal remains. These came from mid-colonial slaughterhouse operations.
The Plaza of San Lucas is often confused with nearby plazas. This older plaza has been renovated many times. Grand projects have sometimes overshadowed it. The five-tower Conjunto Urbano Pino Su\u00e1rez was one such project. It was badly damaged in the 1985 earthquakes. It was later demolished.
Another San Lucas Evangelista Church exists, a Baroque church. It stands at the edge of the Cuitl\u00e1huac Gardens. Spanish invaders waited here in 1519 to meet Emperor Moctezuma. This church is known for indigenous woodcarvings around the entrance. Modest inside, it is still remarkable.
Saint Luke’s began recording baptisms in 1664. Records suggest another chapel performed rites here since the mid-16th century. Saint Lucas is also the patron saint of Iztapalapa. The parish maintains a smaller chapel, “San Luquitas,” built in the 1940s. It is a focus for the Feast of Saint Lucas. This chapel integrates the community with other neighborhoods. Together, they observe Semana Santa passion plays. These plays define much of Iztapalapa life since the 19th century.
The San Lucas Evangelista Church is in a quiet corner of Iztapalapa’s center. It is a tribute to an ancient people.
Another place named Santa Mar\u00eda Magdalena Chapel exists. It is nearly hidden by the Pino Su\u00e1rez Plaza Comercial. It was part of the Santa Mar\u00eda Magdalena shelter. Founded in 1692, it was rebuilt between 1805 and 1808. It now serves as a storehouse.
The Santa Mar\u00eda Magdalena shelter started in the indigenous neighborhood of San Lucas. It belonged to the Mercedarians. They are dedicated to redeeming Christian captives. By the early 19th century, their hospital was in disrepair. Jos\u00e9 Antonio Gonz\u00e1lez Vel\u00e1zquez oversaw the restoration.
The women’s retreat closed in 1812. It housed inmates working on city protection. In 1815, the buildings became stables. By 1863, it was the empire’s military hospital, the San Lucas Hospital. After 1867, the Santa Magdalena Chapel was the hospital amphitheater. Documents noted its pristine design. The dome is supported by columns. The marble floor remains. Many visitors like to see the inside.
The Capilla de San Lucas is a landmark. It has witnessed centuries of change. It stands as a testament to faith, community, and resilience in Mexico City.